Records
Boston: 13-2, Cleveland: 9-8
Projected Started Lineups
Boston - Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Kendrick Perkins
Cleveland - Daniel Gibson, Aleksandar "Sasha" Pavlovic, LeBron James (questionable), Drew Gooden, Zydrunas Ilgauskas
Match Ups
Pierce/LeBron - Shortly after their last meeting Henry Abbott passed along Brian Windhort's contention that LeBron's best rivalry is against Pierce. This is a tough one for me. I'm a huge fan of The Truth. He may be able to match LeBron in points scored. But no one can guard LeBron if he is feeling it.
Scheduling Note
The Celtics are playing their third game in four days, although that Knicks one was not exactly stressful. Meanwhile, this will be the Cavs second game in four days. Factor in that the Celtics are at home and looking for revenge and I'd give the nod to Boston.
Getting to Know Players on the Cavs
LeBron James - After leading the Cavs to a victory over the Celtics LeBron played only twenty minutes in a loss to the Pistons and . hurt his finger in the process. Hence the twenty minutes of playing time. LeBron then sat out the Cavs' next game in Toronto, another Cleveland loss. However, he might play today.
Drew Gooden/Zydrunas Ilgauskas - They both notched double-doubles and combined for 39 points and 24 rebounds when the Celtics traveled to Cleveland on November 27th. On top of that Gooden shot 73% from the field. That is the support LeBron needs.
Cavaliers Biggest Strengths
LeBron.
Cavaliers Biggest Weaknesses
It would be easy to say the Cavaliers not named LeBron. But as long as he is on the floor they are fine. There is a noticeable difference whenever he needs to rest or is fighting an injury and does not play altogether. That's what I love about Doc Rivers' current rotation. He pulls Pierce towards the end of the first and then has him play with the reserves at the start of the second quarter.
Random YouTube Clip
Lately I have fallen into the habit of posting LeBron James clips whenever the Celtics play the Cavs. Well forget that. I'm changing direction and going with a classic Kevin Garnett commercial. Awkward: