Boston Celtics Games

Back In Beantown

By Dustin Chapman Oct 17, 2008, 12:23pm EDT

1-1

4-1

Friday, October 17 - 7:30 pm ET
TD BankNorth Garden (Boston, MA)

Game Thread / Celtics Chat

Tonight, the C’s return home to the TD BankNorth Garden for the first time this preseason, where they’ll face off against the new-look (as far as style is concerned) New York Knicks.

New head coach Mike D’Antoni vows to change the style of the Knicks from slow and lazy to fast-paced and explosive. As a result of that, Eddy Curry has reportedly been kicked out of the consistent rotation and has been replaced in the starting lineup by the high-energy services of fan favorite David Lee.

Stephon Marbury has also been hit with a bit of a demotion, as he is no longer starting and could possibly become the fourth guard in the rotation, as Jamal Crawford, Chris Duhon, and Nate Robinson have all logged more preseason minutes than the unpredictable veteran. Even Mardy Collins and Anthony Roberson have drawn some praise out of training camp, keeping Marbury on his heels.

As for our beloved Celtics, don’t expect to see another 48-minute reserve fest, as Doc Rivers has claimed to go into these final three preseason games with the intent of playing the big guns extended minutes and attempting to establish a rotation. It’s fairly evident that the likes of the starters, Tony Allen, Eddie House, and Leon Powe will be the top eight logging serious minutes, but it’ll be interesting to see who Doc turns to for that ninth or even tenth man.

Bill Walker may not log enough minutes to get involved in any type of jawing contest, but don't be disappointed. There's always Paul Pierce and Quentin Richardson for that.