More Preseason Eh? C’s-Raptors Preview & Open Thread

Posted by Brian Robb on Oct 15, 2010 101419 commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F2010%2F10%2F15%2Fmore-preseason-eh-cs-raptors-preview-open-thread%2FMore+Preseason+Eh%3F+C%27s-Raptors+Preview+%26+Open+Thread2010-10-15+21%3A56%3A46Brian+Robbhttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F%3Fp%3D10141

UPDATE: Celtics Twitter tells us Shaquille O’Neal (rest), Paul Pierce (stomach bug) and Stephane Lasme will be out tonight in addition to Delonte.

No surprises there, except for Lasme. Perhaps, he developed an injury Wednesday night and C’s are being cautious with him? Whatever the case, major minutes open up for Marquis Daniels, Von Wafer and perhaps even Mario West gets a real look this evening.

Embarking on their third city in four nights, the C’s will take on the Toronto Raptors for the second time in six days this evening at 7pm from the Air Canada Centre. This will be the team’s last official “road” game of the preseason, although they will play tomorrow night in Hartford before returning to Beantown to wrapup the exhibition calendar.

With the number of preseason contests dwindling quickly, there is a lot to keep an eye out for tonight with opening night just eleven short days away.So here’s a few things for you guys to watch out for this evening:

* Last Shot for Von Wafer?
The train have already left the station for the former Rocket guard, who has done little to impress Doc Rivers and company through his first few weeks in camp. Meanwhile his competition (Stephane Lasme) for the final roster spot has done nothing but wow the coaching staff with his effort.

The potential good news for Wafer tonight is that with Delonte West out of action until at least tomorrow night (back spasms) and Ray Allen coming off a big minute night in New York, Von may actually get one more crack at serious minutes. It’s not a great chance, Doc Rivers could just as well give a healthy Avery Bradley those minutes tonight but this could be Wafer’s final stand.

I’ve been excited about Wafer ever since he signed this offseason, but he needs to show everyone something tonight. The guy is a shooter, and teams could always use shooters but Wafer has struggled to stay within the flow of the offense thus far. Meanwhile his defense has been underwhelming to say the least. Big strides must be made and made soon. They must start tonight.

* Does Stephane Lasme Continue To Get Big Minutes?
Say all you want about KG’s ejection Wednesday night, but this combined with a convenient night off for Big Baby gave Lasme a chance for big minutes in NYC. After a strong start, he slowed down in the second quarter with a couple of turnovers and foul trouble to boot, which opened the door for Luke Harangody to stake his claim to a big night.

All that being said, Lasme has put together an impressive body of work thus far, and clearly has the inside track on the final roster spot due to his defense, hustle, and versatility at the 3/4. Another strong effort tonight might clinch quest to return to the NBA.

* Injury/Starter Watch
Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo all played monster minutes Wednesday night. Thus I wouldn’t be shocked if any/all got a boatload of rest or the complete night off this evening, especially the elders to ensure adequate rest/give the roster bubble guys an extended look. Glen Davis reportedly will be back in action after resting his sore knee and Shaquille O’Neal is likely to return as well after a two game hiatus. Delonte West as mentioned should return Saturday night against the Knicks.

* Rajon Rondo’s Aggressiveness
He started showing a bit of it in MSG, taking the ball to the basketball with a purpose for the first time this preseason as the C’s went small for nearly the entire second half. Is Rondo just playing possum? Or has he reduced his role in the offense this year given the additional weapons that surround him? Definitely something to keep an eye on.

That’s all for now, let us know what you guys are seeing out there. Brendan will have your full wrap up later this evening/early tomorrow.