Celtics Face Heat Without the Big Ticket

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Miami Heat (0-1) at Boston Celtics 1-0)
Tuesday, April 20
8:00 PM ET
Round 1 Game 2
TNT, CSN-NE, Sun Sports
Radio: WEEI, WINZ, ESPN Radio
TD Garden 
Referees:   Eddie F Rush,  Marc Davis,  Bob Delaney 

The Celtics pulled out a win in game 1 but not before falling behind by 16 points in the 3rd quarter and having to come from behind. If they were looking for a spark to wake them up, they got a raging fire from Quentin Richardson and David Stern. With KG suspended for this game, the rest of the team will need to pick up their games, especially on defense and rebounding. They need to get more out of Sheed and Perk especially.

The Celtics were able to win game 1 in spite of shooting only 44% from the field and hitting only 1 of 6 from beyond the arc. Pierce was only 4-12, Ray was just 2-9 and Rondo shot 4-11. Hopefully all 3 will shoot much better in game 3 and they will have to in order to make up for the absence of KG who hit 6-10 in the first game.  

The Celtics need to use Richardson's classless acts and KG's suspension as a rallying cry to come out strong and blow the Heat out, even without KG.  The Celtics beat them once without KG and they can do it again.  Every player must step up their game especially on the defensive end.   It would not be a good thing for Richardson to feel that he got away with one that allowed his team to get a win in this game.  At the same time, they certainly don't want KG to feel like he cost them a game for having his teammate's back.  Their battle cry should be win this one for KG!!!   


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Probable Starters
PG[image] SG [image] SF [image] PF [image] C [image]
Rajon Rondo/ Ray Allen/ Paul Pierce/ Glen Davis/ Kendrick Perkins

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Probable Starters
PG [image] SG [image] SF [image] PF [image] C [image]
Carlos Arroyo/ Dwyane Wade/ Quentin Richardson/ Michael Beasley/ Jermaine O'Neal


Key Matchups
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Paul Pierce vs Quentin Richardson
After the last game, QRich called Pierce an actress and a faker. The best way for Pierce to shut Richardson up would be to shut him down in this game while putting up big numbers on the offensive end. And the ultimate way to get even would be to win the game. With KG out, the Celtics will need a big game from Pierce.

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Rajon Rondo vs Carlos Arroyo
The Celtics have their biggest advantage at the PG spot. Before game 1, Rondo hadn't been able to keep any food down for 48 hours and had to have been running on fumes, yet he played 43 minutes and almost ended up with a triple double (10 points, 10 assists, 7 rebounds, 2 steals). He will be a bit more rested for this game and the Celtics will need him to continue to dominate on both ends, especially with KG out.

Honorable Mention
Ray Allen/Tony Allen vs Dwyane Wade
The Celtics didn't get anything from Ray in the first game. He took a hard hit to the nose early in the game and wasn't able to get going. Tony Allen was great, however, shutting down Wade and also adding some crucial offense. The Celtics will need more from Ray with KG sitting this one out and they also need more of the same from Tony. His defense on Wade will once again be crucial.

Players to Watch
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Glen Davis
It looks like Big Baby is getting the start in place of KG for this game. He did a good job of filling in last season when KG was out and hopefully the "Ticket Stub" will be back and bring his A game for this one. He must work on defense and keep Beasley from getting off to a quick start. He also has to play in the post more and put in some extra effort on the boards.

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Michael Beasley
The Heat can't win unless Wade's supporting cast steps up. The player with the most potential to do so is Michael Beasley. Especially without KG to harass him on defense, Beasley may look to get to the basket more and try to take the load off of Wade. If he can do so, he gives the Heat a good chance to win.


Keys to the Game
Defense The Celtics won game 1 because they found their defense once again. Defense wins games and wins championships and the Celtics must continue to play the tough team defense that we saw down the stretch in game 1. With KG out, others will need to step up their efforts on the defensive end.

Rebound The Celtics need to crash the boards to prevent the Heat from getting second chance baskets and also to limit their fast break opportunities. The Celtics were out rebounded 40-37 in game 1. They have to do a better job of boxing out and grabbing the rebounds. With KG out, Sheed, Perk and Big Baby have to work harder on the boards.


Play 48 Minutes The Celtics have to come out strong and keep the pressure on throughout the game. Once again in the 3rd quarter, the Celtics let up and allowed the Heat to build a lead. They were able to come back to win the game but they can't allow the Heat to build a lead, especially with KG out. They need to hustle from the opening tip to the final buzzer.

Slow Down D Wade - Tony Allen was key in game one for his defense on Wade, holding him to 26 points. The Celtics will need another super human effort on defense to keep him from dominating in game 2. He looked very determined in his press conference and the Celtics need to be ready for his attempt to take over the game.

X-Factor
KG's Absence
This could go in two ways. The Celtics can use his suspension as a rallying cry and come out on fire to win this one for KG. Or, they can lay down and use his absence for an excuse not to win. Their focus and heart will determine which of these scenarios we will see.

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