Larry Ness
10* ABC SHOWDOWN is on the Boston Celtics.
This is the first matchup between these teams since Shaq went down with a thumb injury. Boston had been playing a bit listlessly of late, but came out on fire in its last matchup, and I expect this team to carry that momentum into this contest. The Celtics crushed Indiana 122-103 on Friday. Rajon Rondo had 16 points and 11 dimes in 28 minutes against Indiana (note: Boston is 4-2 ATS its last six on the road). Lebron returned after a brief hiatus and had 23 points to go along with 20 dimes in the Cavs 100-95 victory over Philadelphia on Friday night. Filling in for Shaq is Antawn Jamison, who will return after a one game break (knee) (note: Cleveland is just 1-4 ATS its last five overall; 1-4 ATS its last five at home). Of course stopping LBJ will be of utmost concern for the Celt's today as he is averaging 37 in two games against Boston this season. Kendrick Perkins will once again be called upon to step up and get a body on Anderson Varejao; last time out Perkins connected on 4-of-6 shots for 10 points with seven boards, an assist and a block in just 23 minutes. "Perk was phenomenal," said Rivers. "When Perk gets into the role he played [Friday], where he didn't think about the offense at all, he gets dunks and layups. When he thinks about the offense, it gets tough. But when he does his job -- sets picks, runs the floor, and rebounds -- all of a sudden the offense comes to him and he's usually the guy under the basket by himself." Although its in third spot in the East currently, the Celts still have their eye on the prize and I expect them to leave everything on the floor today and use this game a litmus test to where they truly stand as they get set for the Playoffs; "I look forward to the game, seeing exactly where we are at," said Perkins. "We're going out and competing against a great team, at home, the best in the NBA, and seeing where we are at. It would be a great confidence boost for us if we could go into their home building and get a win,"; grab up the points.
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