Today’s matchup between two aging teams, from two storied franchises will have the appearance of a playoff game in its intensity, despite the fact that this game has lost a lot of its usual luster. Both teams have struggled mightily on the road but the Los Angeles Lakers are an impressive 17-2 on their home floor. If the playoffs started today, the Lakers would be the fourth seed in the Western Conference and the Boston Celtics would be the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference.
Both teams are very familiar with their opponent. Both teams are top ten defensive teams. The Lakers are holding their opponents to 41-percent shooting from the field. However, though no longer in their prime, Celtics’ forwards Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, and guard Ray Allen can still light up the scoreboard. Boston’s Rajon Rondo remains one of the best point guards in the NBA. The matchup of Lakers’ forward Metta World Peace vs. Pierce will be huge. L.A. Forward Matt Barnes will have an opportunity to defend Pierce and will have to be up for the challenge as Pierce leads the Celtics in scoring 18.4 points per game.
It is imperative that the Lakers get production from their starters at the point guard and small forward positions because when that occurs – in concert with the production of shooting guard Kobe Bryant, center Andrew Bynum and power forward Pau Gasol – the Lakers are tough to beat. They need to have four players score in double-digits. The Celtics’ front line is not as formidable as it once was and L.A. needs to establish Bynum, Gasol and Bryant in the painted area.
The Lakers need to use good ball movement and excellent player movement to find high percentage shots and provide Andrew Bynum & Pau Gasol 20+ shots each. The purple and gold need to communicate on defense, do a solid job of defending the pick-and-roll play, control the tempo, get back in transition and quickly rotate out to open shooters.
Los Angeles can be highly successful today by using their size advantage and out-rebounding Boston, by winning the points in the paint battle and by winning the second-chance points battle. Their reserves must play with confidence and contribute.
Starters
Lakers: D. Fisher, K. Bryant, M. Peace, P.Gasol, A. Bynum
Celtics: R. Rondo, R. Allen, P. Pierce, B. Bass, K. Garnett
Tip-off: 12:30 PM PST
Television –
- Los Angeles: ABC
- Boston: ABC
Radio –
- Los Angeles: 710 ESPN (John Ireland & Mychal Thompson)
- Boston: 850 WEEI (Sean Grande & Cedric Maxwell)
Injuries –
Lakers:
- Kobe Bryant (Nasal Fracture, Concussion) Probable
- Steve Blake (Costochaondral Fracture) Probable
Celtics:
- Chris Wilcox (Cardiac Issue) Out
- Mickael Pietrus (Knee) Out
- Jermaine O’Neal (Sprained Left Wrist) Out