Celtics Host Bucks Between Road Trips

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Boston Celtics (16-4) at Milwaukee Bucks (9-10)
Tuesday, December 8
7:30 PM ET
Game #21, Home Game #11
TV: CSN HD, FSN Wisc, NBA LP 754, 755
Radio: WEEI, WTMJ
TD Garden
Referees:
Scott Foster, Phil Robinson, Michael Smith

The Celtics come into this game with momentum behind them, having won 7 games in a row and are 8-2 in their last 10 games. The Bucks are going in the opposite direction and are 3-7 in their last 10 and have lost 3 in a row.

The Celtics have been off since Friday, though and hopefully they haven't lost any of their momentum or their focus. The Celtics are 7-3 at home while the Bucks are 2-7 on the road. The Celtics have the best road record at 9-1 but their focus has wavered a bit at home and it will be good to see them regain their focus in front of the home crowd.

In the Bucks last game they gave up a 29-0 run to the Cavs to seal the blow out Cavaliers victory. If the Celtics bring their defense they should be able to bring out Gino early in the 4th quarter. 

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Coach: Doc Rivers
Average Age: 27.9
Average Height: 6-6
Average Weight: 224


Probable Starters
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PG: Rajon Rondo PPG 11.1 APG 9.0 SPG 2.7
SG: Ray Allen PPG 15.6 APG 3.2 3P% .322
SF: Paul Pierce PPG 18.6 RPG 4.6 APG 3.8
PF: Kevin Garnett PPG 15.0 RPG 7.4 BPG .7
C: Kendrick Perkins PPG 11.7 RPG 7.7 BPG 2.0



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Coach: Scott Skiles
Average Age: 26.8
Average Height: 6-7
Average Weight: 218


Probable Starters
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PG: Brandon Jennings PPG 21.3 APG 5.8 SPG 1.1
SG: Charlie Bell PPG 8.2 APG 2.6 3P%.406
SF: Carlos Delfino PPG 9.6 APG 2.0 3P% .375
PF: Irsan Ilyasova PPG 11.2 RPG 7.3 APG 1.3
C: Andrew Bogut PPG 14.6 RPG 9.1 BPG 1.8


Key Matchups
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Nolan Ryan Rondo vs Brandon Jennings
The Bucks rookie PG has been tearing up the league and has been impressive and right now is everyone's darling.  . Rondo has been impressive himself as of late. Rondo needs to use his experience to get the best of this matchup.

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Kendrick Perkins vs Andrew Bogut
There have been some rumblings from Bucks fans that Bogut should be an All Star over Perkins. It's time for Perk to end all that speculation and take Bogut to school.


Keys to the Game
Defense, Defense, Defense - Defense is the key to this and every game this season.  Over the 4 games of the road trip, the defense was clicking on all cylinders.  When the defense is working, it also jump starts the offense. 
Rebound the Ball - The Celtics need to work harder on the boards as they often give up too many second chance points to teams.  They also allow teams to get out on the break when they give up offensive rebounds.  
Run the Offense -  When the Celtics move the ball, make the extra pass and find the open man they are tough to guard.   They have to take the ball inside instead of settling for quick 3's. 
Strong Start  When the Celtics get off to a good start they tend to stay in charge throughout the game.  They need to come out strong and take the Bucks out of the game early.   When they dig a hole and then play catch up, they tend to rush the offense too much.  
Focus for 48 minutes  - The Celtics play best when they start strong and stay focused for 48 minutes.  Paul Pierce recently stated that they were so strong on the road because they are focused.  They need to bring that focus to their home games as well.