Utah @ Boston GameThread, Dec 15, 2008 7:30 PM EST

Banged Up Jazz Look to Spoil Streak

by CelticBalla32 on Dec 15, 2008 3:27 PM EST Comment 14 comments

Utah Jazz at Boston Celtics, Dec 15, 2008 7:30 PM EST

15-10 @ 22-2

Monday, December 15, 2008
7:30 pm ET
TD BankNorth Garden (Boston, MA)

The Celtics have been on an absolute tear as of late, and have not lost a game since November 14 vs. Denver. Tonight, the banged up Utah Jazz come to town with their eyes on ending Boston's winning streak at 14, but they'll have their work cut out for them.

Deron Williams returned to the lineup approximately three weeks ago, and is still working to get himself back up to 100%. Carlos Boozer, who is averaging over 20 points and 11 rebounds per game, has missed the team's last 13 games due to a strained left quad and is questionable for tonight's battle. Utah has held a record of 7-6 throughout that stretch, which is not the type of basketball that they are accustomed to, but they've gotten more than strong play out of second-year banger Paul Millsap. The 2007 second round pick has held averages of 16.7 points and 11.2 rebounds per game as a starter in Boozer's absence, and his all-around play has been a major bright spot for Jerry Sloan so far this season.

Whether Boozer is in the lineup or not, expect a hard-fought game. Jerry Sloan teams do not lay down easily, and the depth of this Jazz team is far superior to what Doc Rivers has to work with.

From Chris Paul to Deron Williams; we've certainly been blessed with back-to-back entertaining matchups at the point guard position.

Projected Starters
PG SG SF PF C

Team Leaders
PPG: Carlos Boozer (20.5)
RPG: Carlos Boozer (11.7)
APG: Deron Williams (10.3)
SPG: Ronnie Brewer (2.2)
BPG: Andrei Kirilenko (1.3)

Side Note: Paul Millsap as a starter (12 games) - 16.7 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.6 SPG

Projected Starters
PG SG SF PF C

Team Leaders
PPG: Ray Allen (18.9)
RPG: Kevin Garnett (8.6)
APG: Rajon Rondo (7.3)
SPG: Rajon Rondo (2.3)
BPG: Kendrick Perkins (1.8)

Key Matchup

	Pts	Reb	Ast
2008 - Deron Williams	12.3	2.7	10.3

	Pts	Reb	Ast
2008 - Rajon Rondo	10.3	4.8	7.3

Injury Report
Carlos Boozer (strained left quad - questionable)
Jarron Collins (sore right elbow)
Eddie House (death in the family - out)

Keys to Victory