Off. Efficiency:
Boston: 110.7 points/100 possesions (7th)
Phoenix: 112.3 points/100 (6th)
Def. Efficiency:
Boston: 90.4 points allowed/100 possesions (1st)
Phoenix: 108.6 points allowed/100 (20th)
Probable Phoenix starters:
Steve Nash, Jason Richardson, Grant Hill, Amare Stoudemire, Channing Frye
WHAT THE SUNS DO WELL/DID WELL LAST SEASON
They have a history of doing well with that whole scoring points thing. After getting rid of some dead weight from last year (Shaq), Alvin Gentry has released the hounds once again, giving us one of the best scoring teams in the league through 5 games. They are shooting over 50 percent from the field (1st in league), and 45% from downtown (3rd in league). The Celtics likely will have to shoot well in order to keep up tonight, which shouldn’t be a problem since….
WHAT THE SUNS DO POORLY/DID POORLY LAST SEASON
Say it with me now. DEFENSE! (CLAP CLAP) DEFENSE! (CLAP CLAP) The Suns aren’t as bad in this department as they once were, but opponents are currently putting up over 107 points a game and also are in the bottom 5 in the respective shooting categories (FG%, 3 pt%) that they themselves perform so well. The C’s gauntlet of 3 point shooters and pick and pop offense should have a field day tonight.
PLAYER OR MATCH-UP THAT WORRIES ME
Channing Frye. I can’t believe I just wrote, but he’s been shooting lights out from distance this year and Perkins is not exactly the best perimeter defender. Garnett has the quickness to defend the perimeter and Perkins has the bulk to defend Stoudemire but lacks the quickness to properly matchup. Still, all that being said, there isn’t a matchup problem big enough to really effect the outcome.
PLAYER OR MATCH-UP THAT DOES NOT WORRY ME
Grant Hill. He’s too old to worry about. Also their bench should be dominated by the C’s 2nd unit as well. The Suns starters are all going to have to play 40+ minutes to have a chance in this one.
WHAT WE’D LIKE TO SEE FROM THE C’S TONIGHT
Energy. I want to see the Celtics come out firing, playing passing lanes and getting to loose balls. I think Rondo has to potential to really blow by Steve Nash tonight and have a monster game. Also, please, for the love of Red’s ghost can Ray get his shooting touch back. I think he will, especially against this Suns team that doesn’t defend well. Nothing gets the Celts going more than wide open shots.
The Prediction and some parting words after the jump.
PREDICTION
Celtics 104, Suns 96
I know the C’s have kept everyone else at 90 points or below, but the lowest point total the suns have scored is 100 in a complete blowout. The Suns will get more than 90, but not by much.
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Lets go Rondo!