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Game Thread | Chat Room

On New Year's Day the C's face the Washington Wizards in the first game of a home and home series. The Wizards are still searching for their first win, while the C's are looking to have their first winning streak of the season. With the Captain back in the line up everyone on the team is in a more comfortable role and the C's need to take care of a young lottery team like the Wizards. In my view this first game is doubly important for the veteran C's, the last few years they've been a poor team on the second night of back to backs.

Thoughts on the game and lineups after the jump.

The Wizards have been particularly dreadful on offense, their leading scorers are Nick Young, Jordan Crawford, and John Wall who are shooting 42% 42% and 27% respectively from the field. That won't get it done in the NBA. The C's need to take advantage of this limited offense and tighten down and get their defense right. Another area the C's should be able to take advantage of the Wizards is on the glass, they have one above average rebounder in JaVale McGee after that they're vulnerable on the glass.

Matchup to Watch:

Rajon Rondo versus John Wall

Rondo had two gangbuster scoring games to start out the season that reflected his aggressive play, unfortunately that same aggression showed up in the TO column of the box score. With Pierce's return he seemed to reign that in against the Pistons. Will he step it up against last year's number one overall pick John Wall?

For his part John Wall's play has been very disappointing, he's shooting only 27% from the field and has seen his rebounds and assists dip much lower and his turnovers increase. Rajon Rondo is one of the best defensive point guards in the league, can Wall get his game going against that quality of opponent?

Boston Starters

Rajon Rondo

Ray Allen

Paul Pierce

Kevin Garnett

Jermaine O'Neal

E'Twaun Moore

Marquis Daniels

Keyon Dooling

Avery Bradley

Greg Steimsma