The Celtics' inability to play defense and or rebound the
basketball is becoming very concerning. Outside of Kevin Garnett and Chris Wilcox where are your rebounds coming from?
Rajon Rondo was an exceptional rebounder at his position, but who
else can clean the glass? Going to be very difficult tonight as they face the
number one defense (points allowed) in the Memphis Grizzlies. This defensive machine is fueled by Zach Randolph and
Marc Gasol rebounding, defending, and blocking shots like no other power forward/center combo in the league.
In addition to a powerhouse frontcourt, the Grizzlies also have
a very good point guard Mike Conley and old friend Tony Allen is an elite on the ball
defender. The Celtics only hope is to hit outside shots to free space inside,
otherwise Randolph and Gasol will dominate the boards. Thankfully KG is a great
shooter and will force the Memphis bigs to drift out to the perimeter.
The Grizzlies are a top five team in the NBA and are
strong in many areas of Celtic weakness. In fact their only flaw is their
offense, which has stalled on them this year and in seasons’ past. Now without the offensive explosion
of Rudy Gay (traded to the
Raptors) the Grizz rely on a dominant post game, the three shooting of Conley,
and whatever offense they can get out of Tayshaun Prince and other role
players.
The Celtics only chance of winning this game is to play
nothing less than stellar defense, spread the floor, and contain Randolph on the glass. KG and the outside
shooters will have to play great to draw the Memphis rebounders away from the
basket. Another key to this match up is controlling the initail point of attack. C's point guard Avery Bradley will need to meet this challenge head on as he'll try and slow the best Memphis shooter; Conley. Mike Conley has torched his last three opponents with 20 or more points.
The Celtics need to awaken from their three game
hibernation, but its hard to see these Bears’ letting that happen tonight at
the home den.
Sources:
www.espn.com
Images:
www.si.com
www.espn.com
www.google.com
