Celtics Visit Lakers with Revenge on Their Minds

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Boston Celtics (33-18) at Lakers (42-13)
February 17
10:30 PM ET
Game #52, Road Game #28
TV: TNT
Staples Center

Referees:    Bob Delaney,  Rodney Mott, LeRoy Richardson
The Celtics began their post All Star break road trip off to a good start with a win over the Kings. But, the team still struggled in spite of getting the win. They must play better against the Lakers if they expect to get a win.

There are questions all over the place surrounding this game. The trade deadline is at 3:00 PM and with both teams actively trying to make a trade and it is hard to tell who will be on the teams and who won't. Trades could affect the chemistry of either team. Another question is whether or not Kobe will play. Lakers are saying that he will be a game time decision. Personally I can't see him not playing in this game but if his ankle is indeed still too weak to play then Shannon Brown will get the start in his place.

The still have to be stinging from Kobe's last second shot that beat them in the Garden. If there is one game this season that the Celtics should be motivated for, it is this one. Let's hope that they have put the trade rumors and uncertainty behind them and bring their A game in this one. Anything less will result in yet another loss.



Probable Starting Matchups
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Rajon Rondo 14.1 PPG 9.6 APG 2.5 SPG
Derek Fisher 7.3 PPG 2.5 APG 1.1 SPG

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Ray Allen 16.0 PPG 2.7 APG .333 3P%
Kobe Bryant 28.0 PPG 4.64 APG .327 3P%
(or Shannon Brown 8.2 PPG 1.3 APG .7 SPG)

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Paul Pierce 18.6 PPG 4.7 RPG 3.3 APG
Ron Artest 11.7 PPG 4.4 RPG 3.2 APG

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Kevin Garnett 14.2 PPG 7.4 RPG .8 BPG
Pau Gasol 17.1 PPG 11.2 RPG 1.8 BPG

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Kendrick Perkins 11.1 PPG 8.40 RPG 1.8 BPG
Andrew Bynum 15.2 PPG 8.2 RPG 1.5 BPG


Key Matchups
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Rajon Rondo vs Derek Fisher
The Lakers have been shopping Fisher because of his inability to stop younger PG's. Rondo must be aggressive in this game and exploit that weakness. On the other side of it, Fisher is capable of hitting big shots and Rondo must play tough defense to keep Fisher from getting hot.

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Kendrick Perkins vs Andrew Bynum
Perk and Bynum are both centers who love to bang in the paint. For the Lakers, Bynum gives them a little muscle inside to help counteract their soft image. Perk has been struggling recently since KG's return and the Celtics will need a strong game defensively from him in order to keep the Lakers out of the paint.

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Kevin Garnett vs Pau Gasol
There is no denying that KG hasn't looked quite himself since coming back from the injury. His shot was blocked several times against the Kings and he has also lost a step defensively. Gasol is playing very well and the Celtics need the tough defensive KG back. KG has got to bring his A game on defense in this one.

Keys to the Game
Defense - Both in the Paint and on the Perimeter The Celtics must get their defensive focus and trust back and play the team defense that has made them so tough to beat in the past. Recently we have seen this defense in spurts, but the Celtics must get back to playing solid defense for 48 minutes.

Rebound - Rebounding is effort and desire and the Celtics have been showing neither as they have repeatedly allowed teams to out rebound them. The Celtics need to put out more effort and crash the boards to prevent the Lakers from getting second chance points and fast breaks off the rebounds.

Keep their Focus The Celtics have to come out strong and stay focused for 48 minutes. They can't play in spurts and expect to win against the top teams. The Starters must especially get their cohesion and focus back.

X-Factor
Focus
Can the Celtics regain their focus and get back to playing as a championship caliber team?



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