Preview: Denver Nuggets vs Boston Celtics Vegas SL Game #3

The Celtics will look to remain unbeaten in Summer League play as they take on the Denver Nuggets. The Celtics have played 2 games so far and won them both. The Nuggets have played just one game against the Magic. Their second game against the Suns was postponed due to the Earthquake in Vegas on the first night of Summer League.

The Celtics started the same 5 players in their first two games. Carsen Edwards, Tremont Waters, Aaron Harrison, Guerschon Yabusele, and Robert Williams III. I would expect the coach to shake things up to get a look at other lineups and see how players react to different roles.

In their lone game so far, the Nuggets started Brandon Goodwin, Vlatko Cancar, Terrence Davis, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Thomas Welsh. Summer League is all about seeing how players react to different roles and I would expect to see a shake up in Denver’s starting lineup also.

The Celtics have reportedly signed Max Strus to a two way contract already. He didn’t play in the first game, possibly due to a minor injury but he was available and played in Monday’s game. He finished with 5 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block in 15 minutes of play.

Guerschon Yabusele hurt his hand in Monday’s game but returned to finish the game and should be able to play in this one. Romeo Langford is expected to miss this game as he rehabs from thumb surgery. Michael Porter, Jr. (knee), the Nuggets 14th pick last season is not expected to play nor is Bol Bol (foot), their 44th pick in this year’s draft.

Celtics Roster
29 Carsen Edwards G 6’1”
38 Jon Elmore G 6’3”
55 Tacko Fall C 7’6”
43 Javonte Green G 6’4”
26 Aaron Harrison G/F 6’4”
45 Romeo Langford G/F 6’6”
63 Chinanu Onuaku C 6’9”
48 Kendrick Ray G 6’2”
52 Max Strus G/F 6’6”
51 Tremont Waters G 5’11”
40 Grant Williams F 6’7”
44 Robert Williams III C 6’10”
30 Guerschon Yabusele F 6’8”

Head Coach
Scott Morrison

Players to Watch
Carsen Edwards once again led the Celtics in scoring and was the sparkplug for them to go on a run to close out the game. He is averaging 17 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals per game. He is also a pest on defense.
Tacko Fall is definitely a fan favorite. If you hear the crowd cheering loudly, Tacko Fall is either checking in or doing something good in the game. Against the Cavs, he finished with 12 points on 5-5 shooting, 2 rebounds and 1 assist. We want to see more Tacko!
Robert Williams III - The Celtics need the TimeLord to take a leap in his sophomore season. He finished this game with 10 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 blocks. Hopefully we will see more growth with each game.
Tremont Waters has shown that he can play. He finished this game with 11 points, 4 rebounds,4 assists and 3 steals. He plays with energy and heart. Waters will play for the Celtics next season on a two-way contract.

Nuggets Roster
Rion Brown G 6’6”
Vlatko Cancar F 6’8”
Tyler Cook F 6’9”
Jordan Davis G 6’2”
Terrence Davis F 6’4”
Brandon Gilbeck C 7’0”
Kenny Goins F 6’7”
Tyler Harris F 6’9”
Martin Krampelj PF 6’9”
Michael Porter, Jr F 6’10”
Skylar Spencer F 6’9”
Keifer Sykes G 6’0”
Jaesean Tate G 6’4”
Jarred Vanderbilt F 6’9”
Thomas Welsh C 7’0”

Head Coach
Jordi Fernandez

Players to Watch
Vlatko Cancar was Denver’s 49th pick in the 2017 draft and has been playing in Europe. He scored 4 of Denver’s first 6 points in their game against Orlando. He finished with 12 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists.
Terrence Davis is an undrafted free agent out of Ole Miss. He finished with 22 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal in Denver’s game vs the Magic.
Brandon Goodwin went undrafted in the 2018 draft and played for the Memphis Hustle in the G-League last season. He had 16 points, 3 rebounds and 7 assists vs the Magic.

Keys to the Game
Defense - Both teams have played solid defense in their games so far. The Celtics recorded 14 steals, forced 20 turnovers and won the defensive rebounding battle 31-21 against the Cavs. The Nuggets forced 23 turnovers in their game vs the Magic. The Celtics need to continue to play tough defense if they want to win this game.

Energy and Chemistry - Both of these teams have played with a lot of energy in their games so far. The Celtics have showed good chemistry and have played well as a team. That needs to continue in this game.

X-Factor
Rest vs Fatigue The Nuggets have played just one game on Sunday. The Celtics played on Saturday and again on Monday. They are playing back to back games. They are young and should be able to handle playing two straight days but facing a rested team, it may be a factor.