Mavericks@ Celtics Game # 26 Pregame Analysis

The Celtics host the Mavericks tonight at the Gardens.

A little over 2 weeks ago ( November 20th) Boston made a visit to Dallas and came away with a hard fought victory 110-102.

That overtime game featured a sizzling 47 point performance by Kyrie Irving.

If you recall, Boston struggled to contain Harrison Barnes and that little gnat JJ Berea made an impact.  Wes Matthews also played well.

The Mavs are a team that I want to see play better than LAL.  They have stated to get their act together winning 4 out of their last 6 including a high scoring drubbing over Denver on Monday 122-105.  However Jokic did not play in that game.

In the Celtics last matchup with the Mavs, Al Horford was 1-5 from the field scoring a season low 3 points.  He did have 8 boards and 7 assists but Boston never got him the ball enough.  Both Brown and Tatum played well but the bench stunk the place up.  Rozier only had 3 points and Marcus scored 12 but he shot  3-15  (20%).  NO one else scored.

Boston will win this game by doing a better defensive job on Barnes and by keeping JJ from getting to the rim.  Matthews will make 3 point shots so Boston needs to run him off the line.  Their rookie, Dennis Smith, can score as well.  Dirk is Dirk but just an older version.

Brad will need to be creative in getting Al more looks.  

Marcus is our main rotation guy and needs to be more selective.  His 3-15 brick laying contribution included an abhorrent 2-11 display from 3 point land.  

The rest of the bench needs to do their job and do it well.

Dboss

dboss,

I'm loving your pre-game analysis!

Original, intelligent, thoughts from one of our own.

Regards

Thanks NYCelt Morris and Brown are out tonight

Smart and Baynes probably get the start. Our rotation really comes into view

dboss

why are Morris and Brown off?