Game #55 - Preview: Boston Celtics @ LA Clippers

Boston Celtics
Record: 42-12
Last Ten Games: 6-4
Points scored per game: 100.3
Points allowed per game: 90.8   
Pace Factor: 91.2 (16th of 30)
Offensive Rating: 109.6 (10th of 30)
Defensive Rating: 99.2 (1st of 30)

Los Angeles Clippers
Record: 19-34
Last Ten Games: 5-5
Points scored per game: 94.7
Points allowed per game: 99.0
Pace Factor: 92.9 (11th of 30)
Offensive Rating: 101.5 (27th of 30)
Defensive Rating: 106.1 (13th of 30)

Hat tip to basketball-reference.com for info on the Celtics and the Clippers.

Lineups

Rajon Rondo vs. Brevin Knight
Ray Allen vs. Cuttino Mobley
Paul Pierce vs. Corey Maggette
Kevin Garnett vs. Tim Thomas
Kendrick Perkins vs. Aaron Williams

Schedule Notes

Since the return from the All Star break the Clippers have been at home for Memphis, Utah and the Lakers, with those last two serving as a back-to-back. Meanwhile, the Celtics recent west coast swing has been well documented here. This game doubles as the final one of the trip and the second night of back-to-back games. Advantage LA. One of its few.

Aaron Williams

Aaron Williams was an effective player on those Nets teams in the early 2000s that owned the Celtics and went to the Finals. But I didn't even realize he was still in the League. And the Celtics definitely should not lose to a team that starts him. Of course the bigger issue is that Chris Kaman and most likely Sam Cassell as well, will not play tonight.

Last Time They Met

The Celtics pulled off an 11-point victory and relied heavily on the bench:

At Least We Can Stop Talking About It Soon

By the end of the week we'll know if Cassell has any chance of being a Celtic. And if he can't go tonight because of a wrist injury that should lessen the speculation tonight, if only for a little. Meanwhile, there are a lot of names out there.  

Al Thornton

He is one of those guys who dropped a bit because in the draft because of his age, 25 next December. However, he's a great athlete and he can score. And LA is 5-3 when Thornton scores 20 points or more. Keep an eye on him.

Weak Preview

I don't have much to say here. You could make the case that the Clippers will be without 4 - Brand, Cassell, Kaman, and Livingston - of their top 5 players tonight, depending upon your opinion of Livingston. That's essentially a microcosm of LA's season. Strangely at times I would say, "I know he'd hurt us but I wish Kaman would play because I enjoy his game and he'd test our bigs." Now is not one of those times. I just want the C's to get the win and prepare for Cleveland and Delonte West's return to Boston. Yes, I know Wally Szczerbiak is coming back too but I don't care.

The Other Side

Clips Nation
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