It's Game Day!!! Celtics Take on Sixers

Finally, Boston Celtics basketball is back!!   The Celtics take on the Philadelphia 76ers in the Celtics first preseason game.  The Sixers are playing in the second of back to back games, after losing to the 2-0 Nets 103-96 on Tuesday night.   For a week now, we have heard about how great KG looks, how focused Delonte is, how great the second unit is meshing.  Tonight we finally get to see for ourselves just what the 2010-11 version of the Celtics looks like.   

As with all preseason games, it's tough to predict rotations or minutes or even starting units.  Coaches use the preseason to mix and match and look for their best units.  They are also looking at players who may be on the cusp in order to decide on which players to keep and which to waive.  Doc will probably start his with his probable starting lineup but I don't expect the starters to play big minutes as Doc will be looking to give the younger guys more experience and playing time at least in the first few games. 

Roster
Ray Allen
Avery Bradley **
Marquis Daniels
Glen Davis
Semih Erden
Kevin Garnett
Luke Harangody
Stephane Lasme
Jermaine O'Neal **
Shaquille O'Neal
Kendrick Perkins **
Paul Pierce
Nate Robinson
Rajon Rondo
Von Wafer
Delonte West
Mario West
** Injured

Key Players to Watch
Reports are that KG has been explosive and in 2008 shape. Celtics fans will be watching to see for themselves.   It will be exciting to see him playing in the paint and being aggressive on defense again. 

Word out of camp is that Delonte is making the most of his chance here and according to Paul Pierce has been the 3rd best player in camp. It's been a long time since we have seen Delonte in green and it will be good to see him back.

   With Jermaine O'Neal sitting out the first preseason game, this might be a good time to get a look at Semih Erden.   He has been getting some good reviews from Doc and his teammates and it will be good to see him in a game situation. 

Roster
Tony Battie **
Craig Brackins
Elton Brand
James Florence**
Spencer Hawes
Jrue Holiday
Andre Iguodala
Jason Kapono
Jodie Meeks
Andres Nocioni**
Trent Plaisted
Chris Quinn
Darius Songaila
Marreese Speights
Evan Turner
Louis Williams
Thaddeus Young
** Injured

Players to Watch
Elton Brand hasn't worked out in Philly like they hoped but they are still paying him more than $15 million and maybe this is the year he will break out for them. He put up 15 points and grabbed 3 rebounds in last night's game vs the Nets. 


Mareese Speights led the Sixers in points (19), rebounds (9) and minutes (30) in their opener against the Nets.  He is a tough young center who brings them toughness off the bench. 


Sixers fans are very high on Jrue Holiday and Coach Doug Collins believes Holiday should be one of the top five point guards in the NBA this season.  We'll see what he can do against Rondo.