Game 12 Preview: Celtics at Rockets

Here's one thing we know for sure: Celtics GM Danny Ainge told the Boston Herald that Rajon Rondo will not be traded. For all we know, that could be a lie. But there it is, straight from the horse's mouth. So let's all move on, because the Celtics have bigger issues at hand.

Tonight, the Celtics (4-7) will look to crack a three-game losing streak when they take on the Houston Rockets (7-4).

The Rockets are winners of two straight games, with their latest victory coming Saturday over the Denver Nuggets.

Houston has been playing without Omer Asik, who has been unhappy with his demotion to the backup center spot. Asik has been listed as "unavailable" for each of the past two games. The Houston Chronicle is reporting that Asik practiced yesterday and will be active for tonight's game.

Tonight's game marks the first of a Texas back-to-back for the C's.


Projected lineups:

Celtics:
Avery Bradley
Jordan Crawford
Jeff Green
Brandon Bass
Vitor Faverani

Rockets:
Patrick Beverley
James Harden
Chandler Parsons
Terrence Jones
Dwight Howard


Keys to the game:

1. Be smart: The Celtics cannot afford to turn the ball over as much as they did Saturday night. Boston committed 22 turnovers, which the Timberwolves converted into 28 points. It would be foolish for the Celtics to give the ball away and let the Rockets get out on the fast-break. Why? Because Houston ranks fifth in the league in fast-break efficiency, and they rank second in the league in points per game. Boston needs to limit its mistakes, because Houston's offense is lethal and will make them pay.

2. Where's Green?: For a guy who many predicted to be the team's leading scorer, Jeff Green cannot afford to disappear. That's exactly what he did on Saturday night in Minnesota. Out of all the Celtics that played, Green was the only one that did not make a shot from the field. That cannot happen tonight. Green needs to explode tonight. He needs to make up for his lack-luster -- that word doesn't even do it justice -- performance over the weekend. Look for the Celtics to get him the ball early and often.