Crucial Game

Tonight's matchup against the Magic is the most important game of the playoffs for the Celtics. Losing this game will not guarantee an exit and an early start for the Summer vacations, but it will be a huge blow for the Celtics' title hopes. Honestly, I can't see Celtics winning a game in Orlando with the way both teams are playing. However, if we see some improvements in this game, then the second Eastern Conference finalist will still be up for grabs (justifiably assuming that Cavs will see off the Hawks).

The new Big Three (Pierce, Allen, Rondo)should step up and be consistent throughout the series and not just in the odd game. Better still, if at least two of them show what they are capable of in a game, then I can even go so far and declare the series to be in the bag. The real Bigs  (Perkins, Davis, Moore, and Scalabrine) have to avoid getting in foul trouble and force Dwight Howard to have just a good game - let's face it, the Superman is going to be awesome no matter what. And finally Marbury and House have to rediscover the chemistry that produced some scintillating performances along the stretch during the regular season.

I'm sure Doc's observations would be a lot more to the point and I trust him to field a team that is ravenous for victory. And victory should be ours. Otherwise, we're heading for a very early exit.