Celtics visit Sixers looking for first preseason win

The Celtics made considerable improvement from their first game to their second. After yesterday's practice, players were once again happy with even more improvement in the team after watching film and going through a 90 minute practice thThe Celtics look for their first win of the preseason as they take on one of the few teams projected to be worse than them. at concluded in every player, including the bigs, participating in a 3 point shooting drill.

This game is the first of back to back games, with the Celtics getting a rematch with the Knicks on Saturday. In previous seasons back to back games were to be feared with the older core of the team. This year, they should be a challenge that they can conquer, with young legs and depth being featured.

The Sixers have played 2 games in Europe, beating Bilbao 106-104 in Spain and then losing to OKC 103-99 in Manchester, England. Their prized acquisition of the offseason, Royce White, didn't accompany the team because of anxiety issues with flying. He missed his entire rookie season with the Rockets as they could never come to an agreement on how to deal with his anxiety issues. The Sixers are willing to work with him and have been very pleased with his play in practice. He is expected to make his NBA debut in this game.

Once again, the Celtics starting lineup is up in the air. Coach Stevens has said that he plans to mix and match during this week of preseason games and he has started 2 different lineups so far. He may start some of the same players in this one, or an entirely different lineup. The Sixers will probably start a lineup of James Anderson, Michael Carter-Williams, Thaddeus Young, Evan Turner, and Spencer Hawes. But then again, lineups are never certain in the preseason.

Celtics Roster

Chris Babb

Brandon Bass

Damen Bell-Holter

Keith Bogans

Avery Bradley

MarShon Brooks

Jordan Crawford

Vitor Faverani

Jeff Green

Kris Humphries

Courtney Lee

Kelly Olynyk

Phil Pressey

Rajon Rondo

DeShawn Sims

Jared Sullinger

Kammron Taylor

Gerald Wallace

Injuries

Rajon Rondo (ACL) out

Player to Watch

Jeff Green has had two sub-par performances so far this season. He knows he needs to take a leadership role and has talked about being more aggressive. Hopefully we will see him be more aggressive and take on a bigger role in this game.

Sixers Roster

Lavoy Allen

James Anderson

Vander Blue

Kwame Brown

Michael Carter-Williams

Spencer Hawes

Mac Koshwal

Gani Lawal

Darius Morris

Arnett Moultrie

Nerlens Noel

Tim Ohlbrecht

Jason Richardson

Hollis Thompson

Evan Turner

Royce White

Rodney Williams

Tony Wroten

Khalif Wyatt

Thaddeus Young

Injuries

Kwame Brown (hamstring) doubtful

Arnett Moultrie (ankle) out

Nerlens Noel (knee) out

Player to watch

Evan Turner is averaging 22 points, 6 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. At 6'7" he creates mismatches at the shooting guard spot.

Storylines

Who will start for the Celtics?

Will the Celtics improve yet again on both ends of the court?

How many 3 pointers will the Celtics bigs take?

Will the debut of Royce White give the Sixers a boost?

Can Phil Pressey follow up on his epic first game?

Will Jeff Green finally live up to expectations?

Keys to the Game

Develop chemistry

Improve defense

Have fun

No injuries