Game 24 Preview: Clippers at Celtics

Doc Rivers makes his much-anticipate return to Boston tonight.

After dropping last night's game to old friends Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and the rest of Brooklyn Nets by a final of 104-96, the Celtics (10-13) return home and welcome back another former friend, Doc Rivers, and his L.A. Clippers (14-8).

Tonight marks the first game Rivers will coach in Boston against his former squad. Rivers told reporters at this morning's shootaround that he expects tonight to be very emotional.

"Yeah, it’s going to be hard tonight," Rivers said. "I already told my coaches that it’s just going to be hard. You don’t spend nine years in one place and win a title and have the emotions you have toward the city and the fans and be normal when the game starts. That’s just not going to happen, at least I don’t think so. I’ve already prepared my coaches to be good coaches tonight, because it’s just going to be too tough for me."

The Clippers have dropped three of their last five games, but they're coming off a 94-83 victory on Monday over the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Clippers signed veteran forward Stephen Jackson on Tuesday, and he is expected to be available for tonight's game. Starting shooting guard J.J. Redick will not play after breaking a bone in his shooting hand.

For the Celtics, Kelly Olynyk is questionable with a right ankle sprain.

Projected lineups:

Clippers:
Chris Paul
Willie Green
Jared Dudley
Blake Griffin
DeAndre Jordan

Celtics:
Avery Bradley
Jordan Crawford
Jeff Green
Brandon Bass
Jared Sullinger


Keys to the game:

1. Contain Chris: Last night, the Celtics had to deal with one of the best point guards in the league, Deron Williams. Tonight, they have to deal with Chris Paul, who is arguably the best point guard in the NBA. It would seem silly to say that as he goes so do the Clippers, but it's true. When Paul scores at least 20 points, the Clippers are 7-0. When Paul has at least 20 points and 10 assists, the Clippers are 26-3. Limiting his effectiveness is the biggest key to tonight's game. Look for Avery Bradley to do his best in disrupting Paul's rhythm.

2. Going green: Jeff Green's been on a tear as of late. Over his last 10 games, Green is averaging 19.2 points and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 49% from the field. Green has a favorable matchup tonight, as he will go up against Jared Dudley. The last time these two matched up, Green scored 31 points.