Game 57 Preview: Celtics at Jazz

Two players whose careers changed with one big trade will meet one again.

After a disappointing loss last night, the Celtics (29-27) will try and salvage their road trip with a victory over the Utah Jazz (31-25).

The Jazz have won three of their last four games, and have won six of their last seven at home. Energy Solutions Arena has always given the Celtics fits, as they have dropped two of their last three games there. It was also the place where Kevin Garnett injured his knee and was lost for the 2008-2009 season, so Utah has been a house of horrors for the Celtics.

The Celtics are battered, bruised, beaten and tired, but they need to squeak out this win for their psyche.

Here's a preview:

Projected lineups:

Celtics:
Avery Bradley
Courtney Lee
Paul Pierce
Brandon Bass
Kevin Garnett

Jazz:
Jamaal Tinsley
Randy Foye
Marvin Williams
Paul Millsap
Al Jefferson


Keys to the game:

1. A sense of urgency: Down the stretch of last night's game, Paul Pierce told his teammates during a timeout that they had to start preparing for the playoffs. He also said after the game that it's important to come away with a victory tonight, although tonight will be the toughest game of all. This is Boston's fifth game in seven days out West, so everyone is physically and mentally exhausted. But these are the moments when champions are born. This is where the Pierces, the Kevin Garnetts and the Jason Terrys make their money. This is where mental toughness prevails. A win tonight would make Boston 2-3 on their road trip, which is respectable considering the circumstances. They can't look ahead -- Boston has three days off following tonight's game -- but they should look to go all out and do what's necessary to win tonight, and those three days off will be much sweeter.

2. Bench production: Utah likes to use its bench. They'll usually go 10 deep, and sometimes even more. With Boston's depleted bench, Utah has the clear edge in this category. Utah's bench is in the top ten in points and rebounds. In particular, the Celtics have to focus on Derrick Favors. When Favors scores at least 10 points, the Jazz are 15-8. Stopping the 6-foot-10 power forward is a tall task for a small Boston bench, but they need to limit his effectiveness, along with the rest of the Utah bench.

3. Time for takeoff: Every now and then, Jason Terry will disappear and make me wonder why the Celtics gave their mid-level exception to a declining, 35-year-old shooting guard. I'm wondering why right now. It's time for Terry to have a big game. Over his last four, Terry is averaging 8.5 points on 40% shooting. The JET has to come up big tonight to aid a diminished bench.