:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60540515/20130331_mjm_aa9_134.0.0.0.jpg)
at 
New York Knicks (1-1) at Celtics (0-3)
Saturday, October 12, 2013
7:30 PM ET
TV: NBA-TV, CSNNE, MSG2
Preseason Game #4, Home Game #3
Verizon Wireless Arena, Manchester, NH
Referees: John Goble, Brent Barnaky, David Guthrie
Game Thread l Chat
The Celtics will face their first back to back set of the season tonight as they take on the New York Knicks for the second time this preseason. The Knicks are also playing in the second of back to back games, having dropped a game to the Raptors 100-91 on Friday night. It's worth noting that this is Brad Stevens' first experience with back to back games as well since he didn't face this phenomenon in the college game.
Knicks coach, Mike Woodson has announced that he plans to rest Carmelo Anthony, Metta World Peace, and Raymond Felton in this game. The Celtics are not only playing on the second straight night, they are also playing in their fourth game in a six-day span. The Celtics could take the approach of sitting veterans like Jeff Green, Gerald Wallace and other main guys or, they can continue to play them in limited minutes in their search for combinations that work. The Celtics have yet to find a starting unit that meshes and with a new coach and many new players, they could use all the experience as a team they can get.
The Celtics have started 3 different lineups in their first 3 games. Since only one starter from that group has posted a positive +/- number, it's fairly certain that we will see a 4th different starting five out there for tonight's game. Hopefully it will be a combination that works. One suggestion might be to start Jordan Crawford or Phil Pressey at point alongside of Avery Bradley at the 2 guard spot.
Hopefully we will see more effort from top to bottom in tonight's game, regardless of who starts and who comes off the bench. Against the Sixers, the lack of effort stood out. While fatigue from playing in 4 games in 6 nights may be a partial cause for the lack of a running game and a sub standard effort, this team is young and should be able to overcome those hurdles.
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
Keith Bogans (thumb) questionable
Player to Watch
After a DNP in the first game, Phil Pressey has been making his case for back up point guard quite effectively. He needs to continue his strong play in order to beat out Jordan Crawford for the back up point guard spot.
Honorable Mention: Jared Sullinger has improved in each of the 3 games so far and as his conditioning continues to get better, he may continue to improve. His play was one of the few bright spots for the Celtics last night. He has a knack for getting inside and knows how to finish once he gets there.
Knicks Roster
Cole Aldridge
Carmelo Anthony
Andrea Bargnani
Tyson Chandler
Ike Diogu
Chris Douglas-Roberts
Raymond Felton
Tim Hardaway Jr
CJ Leslie
Kenyon Martin
Toure Murry
Josh Powell
Pablo Prigioni
Iman Shumpert
JR Smith
Chris Smith
Amare Stoudemire
Jeremy Tyler
Beno Udrih
Metta World Peace
Injuries
JR Smith (Knee) out
Amare Stoudemire (knees) out
Jeremy Tyler (finger) out
Player to Watch
Iman Shumpert lead the Knicks with 18 points in their first game against the Celtics. They would do well to keep a man on him.
Honorable Mention: Any one of several young guys who are trying to make the team and will probably see extended minutes with key players sitting out for the Knicks.
Keys to the Game
Run! Run! Run! - Coach Stevens wants the team to run but they've been walking more than running. They were out scored in fast break points by the Sixers 30-12.
Rebound - The Celtics were out rebounded 54-43 by the Sixers and they need to make more effort to crash the boards.
Hit Some Shots- The Celtics shot just 36% against the Sixers. Players are being too unselfish at times and they are missing shots they should make. Someone needs to hit some shots. They are better shooters than that percentage indicates.
Defense! - After allowing 52% shooting in their first two games, the Celtics allowed the Sixers to shoot almost 50%. They must do a better job on the defensive end.
Don't Panic - It's still the preseason. Players are still learning the system. The coach is still learning the players. It's going to take some time.