Hornets (49-21) at Celtics (56-15) 3/28

at
New Orleans Hornets (49-21) at Boston Celtics (56-15)
Friday, March 28
7:30 PM ET
Game #72. Road Game #37
TV: NBA -TV , CST, CSN HD
Radio: WEEI, Sirius 125
TD Banknorth Garden




Probable Starters

PG: Rajon Rondo PPG 10.6 RPG 4.10 APG 5.0 EFF + 14.00


SG: Ray Allen PPG 18.2 RPG 3.90 APG 3.1 EFF + 16.55


SF: Paul Pierce PPG 20.1 RPG 5.40 APG 4.6 EFF + 20.30


PF: Kevin Garnett PPG 19.0 RPG 9.40 APG 3.5 EFF + 24.94


C: Kendrick Perkins PPG 7.4 RPG 6.20 APG 1.1 EFF + 12.19

Off the Bench
James Posey, Eddie House, Leon Powe, Big Baby Davis, Tony Allen, PJ Brown, Sam Cassell, Brian Scalabrine

Injuries
None





Probable Starters

PG: Chris Paul PPG 21.6 RPG 3.90 APG 11.4 EFF + 28.04


SG: Morris Peterson PPG 8.0 RPG 2.80 APG 0.9 EFF + 7.50


SF: Peja Stojakovic PPG 16.1 RPG 4.30 APG 1.2 EFF + 14.29


PF David West PPG 20.3 RPG 9.10 APG 2.3 EFF + 21.75


C: Tyson Chandler PPG 11.6 RPG 12.20 APG 1.1 EFF + 20.10

Off the Bench
Bonzi Wells, Jannero Pargo, Melvin Ely, Mike James, Ryan Bowen, Hilton Armstrong, Chris Anderson, Rasual Butler

Injuries
None

Key Matchups
vs
Rajon Rondo vs Chris Paul
Rondo has yet again another challenge facing him in this game. He just proved that he was equal to guarding a two time MVP and now is going up against this year's possible MVP. Rondo outplayed Paul in New Orleans and he should do the same in this game.

vs
Kevin Garnett vs David West
Containing David West is going to be a big key to this game. He scored 37 points in the first game against the Celtics and he hit the game winner against the Cavs in the Hornets' last game. KG is going to have to play him like he did Amare and make him work hard on both ends of the court.

Keys to the Game
Play 48 Minutes Against the Hornets and Sixers, the Celtics lost a big lead and pretty much gave the games away in the 4th. They need to play 48 minutes and not let up, even if they have a lead. Good teams like the Hornets will take any let up and run with it.

Defense The Hornets can hurt you both inside and out. Peja is dangerous from beyond the arc. Chandler can hurt you in the paint. West is the 17 foot assassin. Chris Paul can hit the outside shot as well as take it to the hoop. The Celtics need to stick with the tough defense that got them here and that they showed in the second half of the Suns game.

Be Aggressive The Celtics need to be aggressive and come out strong to start the game. They need to be aggressive in taking the ball to the hoop and not settling for jumper. They have to be aggressive on the boards and not allow the Hornets to get second chance baskets.

Game Notes:
The Hornets are the only team in the league that the Celtics haven't beat at least once. They will be looking to become the only team in the league to sweep the Celtics and they are also fighting for playoff position and so they will be highly motivated. The Celtics have first place pretty much sewn up but should find enough motivation in trying to avoid a sweep.