Celtics Host Hawks in Friday Night Fray

by Greg Payne on Nov 13, 2009 3:22 PM EST in Boston Celtics Games

Atlanta Hawks at Boston Celtics, Nov 13, 2009 8:00 PM EST

Boston Celtics (8-1) vs. Atlanta Hawks (6-2)

Friday, November 13, 2009

8:00pm

TV: Comcast SportsNet, ESPN; Radio: 850 AM WEEI

Venue: TD Garden

The Boston Celtics aim for nine wins in their first ten games when the Atlanta Hawks visit the TD Garden at 8:00pm tonight.

The Celtics are coming off an impressive win over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday in which the team totaled 30 assists and seven players scored in double figures, led by Kevin Garnett who tallied 18. Meanwhile, the Hawks roll into Boston on a two-game win streak, fresh off a 114-101 thumping of the New York Knicks on Wednesday. Six Hawks scored in double figures, including Josh Smith (22) and Al Horford (25), who each scored more than 20 points.

Atlanta is currently fourth in the league in scoring at 107.75 points per game, but is also allowing 102 points per game, which suggests defense is not the Hawks' first priority. Boston is allowing a league-best 84.55 points per game, so it will be interesting to see if the Celtics' defense will be able to contain what has developed into a very prolific Hawks' offense. The last time the Celtics met an opponent that averaged over 100 points per game was a week ago against the Phoenix Suns. The Celtics got caught up in Phoenix's style of play and ended up allowing 110 points before losing their first game of the season by seven.

The Hawks still feature the strong core of players that helped take the Celtics to seven games in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals two seasons ago. However, Atlanta added veteran scoring machine Jamal Crawford and steady inside man Joe Smith to help bolster its depth and they present new dimensions to an already potent Atlanta squad.

Based on Atlanta's starting lineups in their first eight games, it would seem Kevin Garnett will be matched up with Josh Smith, which doesn't necessarily bode well for Garnett. Smith's athleticism, quickness, and versatility on the perimeter could give him an advantage over Garnett, especially if he initiates his own offense outside of the paint.

Projected Starters:

Celtics: Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Kendrick Perkins

Hawks: Mike Bibby, Joe Johnson, Marvin Williams, Josh Smith, Al Horford

Health Check: For the Celtics, forward Glen Davis (thumb) and guard Tony Allen (ankle) are out and forward Brian Scalabrine (back) is listed as day-to-day.

For the Hawks, center Jason Collins (ankle) is listed as day-to-day.

Keep It In Mind: The Hawks have been outrebounded in both of their losses this season.

Who's Hot: For the Celtics, seven players scored in double figures against the Jazz on Wednesday.

For the Hawks, Al Horford shot 9-16 en route to 25 points against the Knicks on Wednesday.

Who's Not: For the Celtics, Eddie House has shot a mere 2-10 the past two games for a total of five points.

For the Hawks, Marvin Williams was just 2-7 for four points against the Knicks on Wednesday.

Key Matchup: Ray Allen vs. Joe Johnson

Honorable Mention: Kevin Garnett vs. Josh Smith

Skinny: Winning the rebounding battle appears to be one of the keys for Boston tonight, as Atlanta has recorded less rebounds than its opponent in both of its losses this season. The Hawks are a very athletic team and move fast, which could pose formidable problems for the Celtics. Boston's defense will have to be sound early on in hopes of slowing the Hawks' offense in the opening quarter.

Don't count out Atlanta's bench, as the Hawks are now capable of going eight or nine deep with the additions of Crawford and Smith, along with Maurive Evans, Zaza Pachulia and even Jeff Teague backing up the starters.

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Quotes from Doc:

On Back to back with Indy
“it’s a brutal game. When you’re looking at the schedule the first thing you look at is 4 and 5 and what we call 8 and 7’s. 8 and 7’s are an 8:00 night and then a 7:00 night the next night. Its the first thing as a coach you look at. And you hate those 8 and 7’s because its tough. 8 usually means tv game which actually means a longer game, and then you get on the plane and go wherever you have to go and then you play 7 the next night in less than 24 hours, long flight- it’s just a difficult one.”

“I told the story- the sleep dep guy, I had him look at the schedule last year and said ‘show me a game that you think will be difficult to win’ and he pointed at the Indiana game, and he said ‘I dont know if you won or not’ cause when you look at him he has a bowtie on and you know he doesnt know anything about basketball but he said ‘i dont know if you won or not but I guarantee you didnt play well’ and he was right.”

Getting young guys to buy into team (Hawks)

“Selling everyday, because it’s difficult. It’s as difficult as anything in our league when you have more than one or two or three young guys to get them to buy into their roles because theyre more interested for the most part in being stars and they don’t want a role. They want to show you what their role is rather than you tell them what it is. So I dont think that process of the sell ever stops. You have to convince them that thats their role to success, and I think Woody [Hawks Coach Mike Woodson] has done that.

On Lebron changing jersey #:
“He said he was going to wear #6, hell, that number should be retired.”

by Jimmy Toscano on Nov 13, 2009 7:34 PM EST reply actions