Celtics Looking to Avenge Loss as Hornets Visit the Garden

PG:   Rajon Rondo vs Chris Paul
SG:   Ray Allen vs Morris Peterson
SF:   Paul Pierce vs Peja Stojakovic
PF:   Kevin Garnett vs David West
C:     Kendrick Perkins vs  Tyson Chandler

Key Matchups
  Vs 
Rajon Rondo vs Chris Paul
Rondo has yet again another challenge facing him in this game.  He just proved that he was equal to guarding a two time MVP and now is going up against this year's possible MVP.    Rondo outplayed Paul in New Orleans and if he isn't bothered by the sore hamstring, he should do the same in this game. 

  Vs 
Kevin Garnett vs David West
Containing David West is going to be a big key to this game.   He scored 37 points in the first game against the Celtics and he hit the game winner against the Cavs in the Hornets' last game.  KG is going to have to play him like he did Amare and make him work hard on both ends of the court. They call West the 17 foot assassin and he certainly lived up to it against the Celtics in the first game.  KG will have his work cut out for him as he tries to shut him down in this game.  

Honorable Mention
Kendrick Perkins vs Tyson Chandler

Perk handled Shaq pretty well and we will need another big game from him to stop Chandler and to guard against the alley oop passes that we know are coming. 

Keys to the Game
Play 48 Minutes   Against both the Hornets and the Sixers, the Celtics lost a big lead and pretty much gave the games away in the 4th.  They need to play 48 minutes and not let up, even if they have a lead.  Good teams like the Hornets will take any let-up and run with it. 

Defense  The Hornets can hurt you both inside and out.  Peja is dangerous from beyond the arc.  Chandler can hurt you in the paint.  West is the 17 foot assassin.  Chris Paul can hit the outside shot as well as take it to the hoop or he will find the open man.  Jannero Pargo and Bonzi Wells are also dangerous and can't be left open.    The Celtics need to stick with the tough defense that got them here. 

Be Aggressive The Celtics need to be aggressive and come out strong to start the game.  They need to be aggressive in taking the ball to the hoop and not settling for jumpers.  They have to be aggressive on the boards and not allow the Hornets to get second chance baskets.  They need to be aggressive in going after looe balls and they need to be aggressive on the defensive end.  

X-Factor

Focus  The Celtics beat themselves when they played the Hornets last time.  They slacked off on defense and turned the ball over way too much.   The Celtics will need to stay focused on defense and  on taking care of the ball.