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Post by Admin on Feb 6, 2019 16:39:51 GMT -5
Kyrie Irving and Marcus Morris set to return against the Lakers Boston will have 2 starters back in Boston’s first matchup after the Trade Deadline. By Andrew Doxy
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
The most notable part of today’s injury report is who is not on it:
Kyrie Irving (sore hip) and Marcus Morris (right knee soreness) both sat out last night’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers – a 103-96 victory for the good guys. Robert Williams III was questionable in the hours leading up to the game in Cleveland, but he was eventually ruled out. Naturally, the Celtics will test him pregame tomorrow to see if he’ll be ready to suit up. With Aron Baynes (foot) missing, Williams could potentially see minutes against a Lakers team that features JaVale McGee, Tyson Chandler and Ivica Zubac. With all of the Anthony Davis drama going on, the Los Angeles Lakers could look drastically different by the time they reach the TD Garden after the Trade Deadline tomorrow. Reported offers to the New Orleans Pelicans have included Brandon Ingram, Rajon Rondo, Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Michael Beasley and more. If the Pelicans decide to act on that, uh, bounty (?) of an offer, expect the Lakers to be shorthanded. Back to reality, though. Most likely, the same team that got blown off the floor by 42 points in Indiana will be the same team to take the floor in Boston. With all of the drama surrounding Kyrie Irving’s future decision and the media orchestration by Rich Paul, we could be in for a special “shut up” performance by Irving on the national stage. The first step to that is his health, so it’s a good thing that Irving appears ready to go tomorrow. The 35-19 Boston Celtics (winners of 10 of their last 11) will take on the 27-27 Los Angeles Lakers at 8:00PM EST in Boston on TNT.
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Post by kivancb on Feb 6, 2019 16:46:35 GMT -5
Lakers lost by 42 last night and it was a Lebron record for his most lopsided loss ever, correct?
Well, records are there to be broken. Let's prove em that.
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Post by Admin on Feb 7, 2019 17:54:53 GMT -5
Preview: Los Angeles Lakers at Boston Celtics Game #55 LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers make their only appearance in Boston as the most storied rivalry in the NBA continues. By flceltsfan
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The greatest NBA rivalry begins a new chapter on Thursday when the Los Angeles Lakers visit the Celtics. This will be LeBron James first time at the Garden as a member of the Lakers. This is the first of 2 meetings this season. They will meet again on 3/9/19 in Los Angeles.
This week has been tough for both of these teams with non stop trade rumors going on. As I write this, there are about `8 hours until the trade deadline. Thankfully they will play 5 hours after the trade deadline so both teams should be able to once again concentrate on basketball and not on whether they will still be on the team tomorrow.
The trade rumors seem to have hit the Lakers a bit harder than they did the Celtics, who have won their last 5 games. The Lakers have lost 2 straight and on Tuesday, they lost by 42 to the Indiana Pacers. This was LeBrons worst loss in his career. The Pacers fans made it worse by chanting “LeBron’s going to trade you” when Brandon Ingram was at the line and “not worth trading” when JaVale McGee was at the line.
These two teams split the series 1-1 last season, with each team winning on their home court. This is the 3rd game of a 5 game road trip for the Lakers. They have a 27-27 record, but they are 21-15 when LeBron plays. LeBron has faced the Celtics 90 times in his 17 year career and the Celtics are a personal rival to him as well as a rival to the Lakers as a team.
The Celtics are still in 3rd place, 3.5 games behind 2nd place Toronto. They are tied with 4th place Indiana and 1 game ahead of Philadelphia, who just got better with their recent trade. The Celtics are 22-6 at home and 9-1 in their last 10 games. They are 10-9 vs the Western conference teams.
The Lakers are in 10th place in the West. They are 2.5 games out of playoff position and 1.5 games ahead of 11th place Minnesota. They are 11-15 on the road and 4-6 in their last 10 games. They are 8-9 against Eastern conference teams.
LeBron James (groin) and Kyle Kuzma (hip) are listed as probable for the Lakers. Lonzo Ball (ankle), Isaac Bonga (GLeague), and Reggie Bullock (NWT) are all listed as out. Josh Hart (knee) is questionable. Kyrie Irving (hip) and Marcus Morris (knee) will be back in the starting lineup for the Celtics. Aron Baynes (foot) remains out. Robert Williams (back) is questionable).
TRADE DEADLINE UPDATE: The Lakers have traded Michael Beasley and Ivica Zubac to the Clippers for Mike Muscala. With their projected starting center gone, I’m guessing they start Tyson Chandler, but they very well might start JaVale McGee or maybe even someone else. Mike Muscala will not yet be with the team. The Celtics have traded Jabari Bird to the Hawks to open up a roster spot.
Probable Celtic Starters
PG: Kyrie Irving
SG: Marcus Smart
SF: Jayson Tatum
PF: Marcus Morris
C: Al Horford
Celtics Reserves
Daniel Theis Jaylen Brown Guerschon Yabusele Semi Ojeleye Brad Wanamaker Aron Baynes Gordon Hayward
Injuries
Aron Baynes (foot) out Robert Williams (back) questionable
Two Way Players
P. J. Dozier RJ Hunter
Head Coach
Brad Stevens
Probable Laker Starters
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Brandon Ingram
SF: LeBron James
PF: Kyle Kuzma
C: Tyson Chandler
Lakers Reserves
Kentavious Caldwell Pope JaVale McGee Lance Stephenson Moritz Wagner
Injuries
LeBron James (game managment) probable Kyle Kuzma (hip) probable Ivica Zubac (finger) probable Lonzo Ball (ankle) out Isaac Bonga (GLeague) out Reggie Bullock (NWT) out Josh Hart (knee) questionable Mike Muscala (just traded) out
Two Way Players
Alex Caruso Jonathan Williams
Head Coach
Luke Walton
Key Matchups
Jason Tatum vs LeBron James Tatum has a lot of experience covering James, including last year’s Eastern Conference Finals. LeBron is averaging 26.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 7.3 assists. As always, LeBron is next to impossible to contain but if Tatum can at least slow him down, that would be a good thing.
Marcus Morris vs Kyle Kuzma
Kuzma has out played the Lakers’ top pick from last year’s draft and has been one of their best players. He is averaging 18.6 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists. Morris has been playing very well and hopefully will be able to limit Kuzma in this game.
Honorable Mention
Marcus Smart vs Brandon Ingram
Ingram is averaging 17.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. Marcus Smart will need to play his typical stingy defense to slow him down and hopefully his offense will continue to be strong. Kyrie Irving vs Rajon Rondo
Former Celtic Rajon Rondo will be returning to the Garden for the first time as a member of the Lakers. He is averaging 8.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 7.7 assists. Rondo loves playing former teams and will likely play harder than normal. He also loves national TV games and so Kyrie will need to play him closely.
Keys to the Game
Defense - Defense wins games. The Celtics are third in the league with a defensive rating of 104.9. The Lakers aren’t terrible defensively as they are 9th with a defensive rating of 107.6. The Celtics need to continue to play tough lock down defense and not allow the Lakers to gain any confidence. Rebound - Rebounding takes effort and energy and the Celtics will need both to out-rebound the Lakers. They need to crash the boards and keep the Lakers from getting second chance points and fast breaks. The Celtics are averaging 45.1rebounds per game while the Lakers are averaging 47.2 rebounds per game. The Lakers are 2nd in points in the paint with 56.4 per game. The Celtics have to crash the boards to limit their put backs and second chance baskets. Focus - There will be rumors and hoopla surrounding the trade deadline and it’s possible that both teams will have to deal with a trade of a loved teammate. The Celtics must put all that behind them and focus on playing their game. The trade rumors seem to be affecting the Lakers more than the Celtics so far, and hopefully that continues in this game as well. Be Aggressive - The Celtics must be the more aggressive team. They have to be aggressive in going to the basket, in diving for loose balls, and on defense. They have to aggressively crash the boards. They have to be the team that wants it more. They can’t afford to let the Lakers be the team that plays harder. We know that Rondo and LaBron will play their best to try to beat the Celtics and so the Celtics have to give them their best as well. Take Care of the Ball - The Celtics need to share the ball and make the extra pass to find the best shot possible, But, they also must take care of the ball because the Lakers are 2nd in fast break points with 21.5 per game. If the Celtics get sloppy and turn the ball over, the Lakers will certainly make them pay.
X-Factors
Home Court - The Celtics are home with the Garden crowd behind them. They should get a lift from the crowd and from playing on the familiar parquet floor. Hopefully the Garden faithful will be loud and rattle the young Lakers a bit. Celtic Pride - “Beat LA” is one of the most iconic chants in sports. This is a storied rivalry and no matter the circumstances, the Celtics always want to beat the Lakers. It’s a matter of pride and the Celtics need to get the job done and “Beat LA” in this game.
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Post by Admin on Feb 7, 2019 17:57:52 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Feb 7, 2019 18:24:40 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Feb 7, 2019 18:25:30 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Feb 7, 2019 18:36:01 GMT -5
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Post by puddin on Feb 7, 2019 19:02:54 GMT -5
I hope that the Lakers aren't too let down after wiffing on the trade for AD.
I bet that's one unhappy Laker locker room.... being stuck with one another for the rest of the season... hating one another's guts... fighting for a PO spot all the while!
Poor pitiful Lake City!
Rub it in greenies....
Pud
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Post by cole on Feb 7, 2019 19:03:32 GMT -5
Something tells me we're going to get out shot at the free throw line tonight by 20, and that's still not going to stop us from opening up a can of whoop-ass all over the Lakers
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Post by drboogiebone on Feb 7, 2019 20:15:12 GMT -5
Perfect timing for this game. Couldn't have been written any better.
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Post by drboogiebone on Feb 7, 2019 20:15:46 GMT -5
BEAT LA. Let's get it on...
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Post by drboogiebone on Feb 7, 2019 20:17:55 GMT -5
kyrie puts us on the board
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Post by drboogiebone on Feb 7, 2019 20:21:43 GMT -5
Tatum looking good right now.
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Post by drboogiebone on Feb 7, 2019 20:22:18 GMT -5
Faker's look like complete garbage. Lovin it.
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Post by drboogiebone on Feb 7, 2019 20:23:35 GMT -5
Smart says... right back at yah Rondo.
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Post by drboogiebone on Feb 7, 2019 20:25:21 GMT -5
We going to here a chant for our guests from the crowd tonight?
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Post by drboogiebone on Feb 7, 2019 20:29:20 GMT -5
Smart baby! Filling it up!
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Post by drboogiebone on Feb 7, 2019 20:30:28 GMT -5
I'm hearing a chant for Ingram.
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Post by drboogiebone on Feb 7, 2019 20:31:59 GMT -5
LeBum going to play the whole game?
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Post by drboogiebone on Feb 7, 2019 20:33:38 GMT -5
Lance looks like he's playing in hiking boots.
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Post by drboogiebone on Feb 7, 2019 20:35:57 GMT -5
Brown... Can't be missing that dude. Just can't...
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Post by drboogiebone on Feb 7, 2019 20:36:51 GMT -5
Looks like RWill is suited up tonight. Would love to see him get some PT tonight.
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Post by drboogiebone on Feb 7, 2019 20:40:23 GMT -5
C's still giving up rebound after rebound.
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Post by drboogiebone on Feb 7, 2019 20:41:30 GMT -5
Beautiful play and finish by Kyrie to Gordon.
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Post by drboogiebone on Feb 7, 2019 20:41:57 GMT -5
TRo hits a 3. Good to see.
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