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Boston Celtics (1-1, 9-7) at Detroit Pistons (1-1, 9-4)
Eastern Conference Finals, Game 3
8:30 PM ET
TV: ABC
The Palace of Auburn Hills
Probable Starters
PG: Rajon Rondo PPG 11.1 RPG 4.10 APG 6.6 EFF + 15.64
SF: Paul Pierce PPG 18.7 RPG 4.80 APG 4.1 EFF + 16.50
SF: Paul Pierce PPG 18.7 RPG 4.80 APG 4.1 EFF + 16.50
PF: Kevin Garnett PPG 20.3 RPG 9.90 APG 3.5 EFF + 26.00
C: Kendrick Perkins PPG 6.3 RPG 5.70 APG 0.6 EFF + 10.29
Off the Bench:
Eddie House, James Posey, Leon Powe, Big Baby Davis, Tony Allen, PJ Brown, Sam Cassell
Injuries
Scott Pollard, ankle, out
Inactive
Brian Scalabrine, Gabe Pruitt
Probable Starters
PG: Chauncey Billups PPG 15.8 RPG 3.10 APG 5.7 EFF + 16.33
SG: Rip Hamilton PPG 21.5 RPG 4.80 APG 3.7 EFF + 18.18
SF: Tayshaun Prince PPG 16.0 RPG 6.20 APG 3.4 EFF + 19.00
PF: Antonio McDyess PPG 7.5 RPG 6.50 APG 1.1 EFF + 12.09
C: Rasheed Wallace PPG 13.9 RPG 6.00 APG 1.6 EFF + 14.91
Off the Bench
Jason Maxiel, Arron Afflalo, Linsdey Hunter, Jarvis Hayes, Walter Hermann, Rodney Stuckey, Theo Ratiliff, Juan Dixon
Injuries
None
Inactive
Juan Dixon, Cheikh Samb, Walter Hermann
Key Matchups
vs
Rajon Rondo vs Chauncey Billups
The point guard matchup continues to be the key to this series. Rondo out played Billups in game 1 and it appeared that Billups was still having problems with his hamstring. Between games 1 and 2 Billups apparently had a miraculous healing as he showed no effects from the injury and got the better of this matchup. The backup point guard is also key as Rodney Stuckey dominated and Eddie House struggled with the Pistons' pressure. We might see Sam Cassell in game 3 as this was one of the reasons that the Celtics signed him.
vs
Kevin Garnett vs Antonio McDyess
McDyess has played well in both of the games in Boston. He is able to score inside and rebound and has also hit jumpers from the outside. He is the only Piston starter without a ring and so is very motivated and has been playing with great intensity.
Honorable Mention
Celtics Bench vs Pistons Bench
The Celtics starters played well in game 2 and Pierce, Ray Allen and KG all had big games but the bench didn't show up. They had only 8 points and only PJ Brown could be considered to have played well. The Celtics will need more than 8 points from their bench if they expect to win on the road.
Keys to the Game
Defense The Celtics inability to get stops cost them game 2. They allowed the Pistons to shoot 49% and score 103 points. They are capable of playing lock down defense and it is a matter of focus as to whether they do or not. The Pistons picked up their defense but the Celtics didn't. The team that plays the best defense will win this series.
Focus and Intensity The Celtics seemed to lose their focus at times in game 2 and they made mental errors that cost them the game. They must keep their focus and intensity and not allow the Pistons' defense to take it away from them. It seemed that when the Pistons picked up their defense it rattled the Celtics and took them out of their game. They have to focus and play their game regardless of what the Pistons throw at them.
Ball movement The Celtics walked the ball up the court too much in game 2 and that allowed the defenses to get set. The must run the ball up the court whenever possible and they have to move the ball to find the open man. They were dribbling too much and the ball movement stalled. They need to get back to passing the ball to beat the Pistons pressure and find the open man for the best shot.
X-Factors
Bench Play. The Celtics bench must play better than they did in game 2. The starters have to be able to rest without worrying about the bench losing a lead or digging a hole for them to have to dig out of.
Officiating The officials have not been very kind to the Celtics so far in the playoffs especially on the road. The Celtics need the refs to at least call it evenly to have a chance to win in Detroit.
I'm not of the mind thinking this is a must win, but the Celt's NEED to at least win one of these two games in Detroit.
