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Washington Wizards (19-62) at Boston Celtics (61-20)
Wednesday, April 15
8:00 PM
Game #82, Home Game #41
TV: CSN-HD, CSN-HD, NBA LP 751
TD Banknorth Garden
The final regular season game is finally here. It isn't certain who will play in this game for either side. Kevin Garnett will sit this one out. There are still questions as to whether he will even be available for the opening round of the playoffs. Doc is talking about sitting Pierce, Ray and maybe even Rondo in this game as well.
This game means absolutely nothing to either team. I guess the closest this game comes to meaning anything is that the Wizards and Clippers are tied for the 2nd worst record in the league going into the lottery. The Wizards could benefit more in the draft by losing, but Celtics fans know all too well that no matter how many ping pong balls you have, it doesn't guarantee anything. The lottery is a fickle thing, at least it has been for the Celtics.
The Wizards are 3-7 in their last 10. When they have their own big 3 of with Jamison, Butler, and Arenas in place, they are very good. But, they have been hit hard with injuries this season. Arenas is questionable for this game as is Jamison. There really is no reason for either of those players to play in this one other than the fact that Arenas has had it in for Boston since they passed him over in the first round of the draft and loves to beat them. This may end up with 48 minutes of extended garbage time.
Probable Starters
Rondo/House/Tony Allen/Powe/Perkins
This is an absolute guess as to who will start. Doc may choose to sit out Perk and Rondo. Pierce and Ray may sit or Pierce may talk himself back into the lineup. Who knows.
McGuire/Crittendon/Butler/Jamison/Haywood
Injuries
Celtics
Kevin Garnett
Brian Scalabrine
Wizards
DeShawn Stevenson out
Etan Thomas out
Mike James out
Gilbert Arenas questionable
Antawn Jamison questionable
Team Connections
Caron Butler and Ray Allen are former UConn Huskies
Nick Young and Gabe Pruitt were teammates at USC
DeShawn Stevenson played for Doc in Orlando
Darius Songalia was drafted by the Celtics with the 50th pick in 2002
Antonio Daniels and Ray Allen were teammates in Seattle
Brian Scalabrine played for Eddie Jordan in NJ while Jordan was an assistant there.
Tom Thibodeau was set to join the Wizards last season as an assistant but left the club after his first practice with them.
Former Celtic Sam Cassell is rumored to be joining the Wizards next season as an assistant coach
X-Factor
Fan Appreciation Night
The Celtics may want to win their final home game of the season for their fans even though it means absolutely nothing in the standings. It will be up to the reserves to do get it done.