C's Head to South Beach

(12-2)  @  (4-10)

Friday, November 30
8:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN & CSN
American Airlines Arena

Chat  |  Game Thread

Last night, the Celtics delivered a Grade A butt-kicking to the New York Knicks, beating them 104-59. The Celtics held a 50-point lead at more than one point in the game, and the only thing keeping the Knicks from beating a franchise-low for points in a single game (58) was a halfcourt heave at the buzzer by Nate Robinson. The Knicks weren’t playing well and the Celtics were dominating both ends of the floor, but the worst part about it for New York was the fact that they quit on each other. One Knick fan, who came from New York to watch the game, was so disgusted with his team that he took his Knicks jersey off and threw it away. It was that bad – only worse.

It’s pretty safe to say that Miami will come out with more heart and put up a better fight in tonight’s matchup than the Knicks did last night. Despite their rough start without Dwyane Wade this season, the Heat have won two of their last three games and are looking to get themselves back into the playoff picture. Dwyane Wade is feeling better each day, Shaquille O’Neal is looking better game-by-game, and Pat Riley is constantly experimenting with the lineups until he finds something that works on a consistent basis. The last time Miami played Boston was exactly two weeks ago, when the Celtics pulled away with a one-point victory at the TD BankNorth Garden. There’s no question that the Heat are feeling a little bitter about that 92-91 loss, so expect a tough battle tonight.

Don’t beat ‘em up too bad, boys.

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Projected Starters

C Kendrick Perkins / Shaquille O’Neal
PF Kevin Garnett / Udonis Haslem
SF Paul Pierce / Anfernee Hardaway?
SG Ray Allen / Dwyane Wade
PG Rajon Rondo / Chris Quinn?

 

Key Matchup: Kendrick Perkins vs. Shaquille O’Neal

Shaq has been playing much better basketball as of late, averaging just over 19 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks per game over the last five outings. Kendrick Perkins has to make sure he slows The Diesel down, which is obviously much easier said than done. Staying out of foul trouble is key, and we all know that Shaq can cause those kinds of problems for you in a hurry. Stay at home, Perk.

 

Celtics X-Factor: Kendrick Perkins

Once again, Perk needs to really make sure he plays smart basketball in this one. He did a solid job two weeks ago when Shaq came to town, but tonight’s game is at his house, meaning he is going to get some calls. Once again: stay at home, Perk.

 

Injury Report

BOS – Tony Allen (bruised left thigh – day-to-day)
MIA – Smush Parker (personal reasons)
MIA – Dorell Wright (sprained wrist)

 

Celtics Keys to the Game

• Cut Off Penetration
• Interior Defensive Rotations
• Ball Movement
• Limit Turnovers, Much Like Last Night
• Stay Out of Foul Trouble