Game #76 - Preview: Celtics @ Bobcats

Boston Celtics
Record: 60-15
Last Ten Games: 8-2
Points scored per game: 100.5
Points allowed per game: 90.0   
Pace Factor: 90.9 (19th of 30)
Offensive Rating: 110.2 (9th of 30)
Defensive Rating: 98.7 (1st of 30)

Charlotte Bobcats
Record: 29-47
Last Ten Games: 5-5
Points scored per game: 96.4
Points allowed per game: 100.9
Pace Factor: 91.7 (13th of 30)
Offensive Rating: 104.1 (24th of 30)
Defensive Rating: 108.9 (20th of 30)

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

Rajon Rondo vs. Raymond Felton
Ray Allen vs. Jason Richardson
Paul Pierce? vs. Gerald Wallace
Kevin Garnett vs. Jermareo Davidson
Kendrick Perkins vs. Emeka Okafor

Schedule Notes
The Bobcats traveled to Toronto for a game last night before arriving back in Charlotte to host the Celtics. Meanwhile, the Celtics have been off since a home game on Wednesday versus the Pacers. Advantage Boston.

Season Series
Back in February the Celtics defeated Charlotte 108-100 and it really did not feel that close. Gerald Wallace sat that one out due to his most recent concussion and Rajon Rondo took it upon himself to humiliate the Bobcats (53 seconds in). Kendrick Perkins helped. Of course in January Charlotte dominated the Celtics in the TD Banknorth Garden 93-85. It was the first of Boston's two double digit losses all season, with the other coming against Utah in March. To say that Jason Richardson was feeling it in that victory would be an understatement. Finally, the Bobcats almost won the first game of the season series until Eddie House, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen did this.

Charlotte...Where Entertainment Happens
If you do venture out to the game tonight try not to confuse the the Lady Cats, the Rally Cats and the Rhythm Cats. And maybe ask Amanda and Cedea of the Lady Cats why they look so angry.

Jason Richardson
Do you realize he is averaging 29.5 points per game against the Boston Celtics this season? That's 8 points above his average for the season and downright ridiculous. I've always loved his game, believe he can contribute to a winning team and see him as one of those guys that make watching a losing team bearable.

Paul Pierce to Play?
So far only RotoWORLD.com has come out and said Pierce will not play. We'll see.

A victory clinches home court advantage in the East. That's it for now...