Magic (18-10) at Celtics (21-3) 12/23

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Orlando Magic (18-10) at Boston Celtics (21-3)
Sunday 12/23
6:30 PM ET
Regular season game #25, Home Game #15
TV: NBA LP ch 753, CSN HD
Sirius Radio 119
TD Banknorth Garden



Probable Starters

PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Ray Allen
SF: Paul Pierce
PF: Kevin Garnett
C: Kendrick Perkins

Off the Bench:
Eddie House, Brian Scalabrine, James Posey, Tony Allen, Big Baby Davis, Scot Pollard, Leon Powe

Key off the Bench

Posey's defense is going to be needed in this game as well as his ability to spread the floor. House's outside shooting off the bench will be important to the second unit.

Injuries:
None



Probable Starters

PG: Jameer Nelson
SG: Keith Bogans
SF: Hedo Turkoglu
PF: Rashard Lewis
C: Dwight Howard

Off the Bench:
Carlos Arroyo, Keyon Dooling, Trevor Ariza, Adonal Foyle, Maurice Evans, James Augustine, Pat Garrity, JJ Redick,

Key off the Bench

Carlos Arroyo and Keyon Dooling have been productive off the Magic bench and should provide them a lift when the starters go out.

Injuries:
Tony Battie, torn rotator cuff

Key Matchups
vs
Kevin Garnett 6'11" PPG 19.1 RPG 10.40 APG 3.6 EFF + 26.96
Rashard Lewis 6'10" PPG 18.5 RPG 5.40 APG 2.5 EFF + 16.96
Rashard Lewis has played well for the Magic. KG has a height advantage and the team should look to go to KG more in this game.

vs
Kendrick Perkins 6'10" PPG 6.9 RPG 4.90 APG 0.9 EFF + 10.23
Dwight Howard 6'11" PPG 23.5 RPG 15.10 APG 1.5 EFF + 30.37
The Magic like to score in the paint and it will be up to Perk and KG to defend the basket and keep them out on the perimeter. Perk doesn't play as well against quick and mobile centers like Howard and so will need some help from KG to defend against him.

Keys to the Game
Home Court Advantage The Celtics need to use their home court advantage and feed off the crowd. Orlando is a very good road team at 13-4 but the Celtics have only lost once in their building and need to take care of business at home.

Defense The Magic play both inside and on the perimeter. They have very good three point shooters, especially Turkoglu and will need to defend against the perimeter shots. They also have to defend in the paint to keep Howard and Lewis away from the basket.

Hustle and Effort The Celtics cannot afford to allow the Magic to get out to a lead. They need to hustle for loose balls and put out the effort on the boards to limit the Magic's second chance and fast break points.

Game Notes:
The Magic gave the Celtics one of their 3 defeats. The Celtics will look to avenge that loss and make a statement against the team with the 3rd best record in the Eastern conference. They need to win this one to quiet the charges that they haven't beaten any of the top teams.

Orlando is coming off a loss to the Jazz at home and will be looking to get back on track in this game. They also will be looking to make a statement against the Celtics. This should be a tough game but if the Celtics play their game with defense and ball movement, they should pull this one out.

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