Game 45 Preview: Thunder at Celtics

Although Russell Westbrook will not suit up tonight, Rajon Rondo will
return for the Celtics.

In a week where they took on the two-time defending world champion Miami Heat, the Celtics (15-29) return home to take on the Western Conference's best team, the Oklahoma City Thunder (33-10).

The Thunder have won five straight, including a win on Wednesday over the San Antonio Spurs. Although they are without their All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook, they have gotten phenomenal play from Kevin Durant. In his last ten games, Durant is averaging 37.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.9 assists while shooting 53%.

However, the Celtics will catch a break. Durant injured his shoulder in Wednesday's game and is listed as out for tonight's game.

The C's will be without Jerryd Bayless (toe) and Avery Bradley (ankle).

Projected lineups:

Thunder:
Reggie Jackson
Thabo Sefolosha
Kevin Durant
Serge Ibaka
Kendrick Perkins

Celtics:
Rajon Rondo
Gerald Wallace
Jeff Green
Kris Humphries
Jared Sullinger


Keys to the game:

1. Stop Mr. Jackson: Since Westbrook went down, Reggie Jackson has filled in nicely for the Thunder. In Westbrook's absence, Jackson has averaged 15.4 points and 4.8 assists. The former Boston College star is going to have his hands full with a rested Rajon Rondo tonight, but it won't be easy for Rondo to shut down Jackson.

2. Keep them off the line: This may sound silly, but keeping OKC off the free throw line could go a long way in this one. OKC is second in the league in free throw shooting at 81%. OKC gets 20% of their points from free throws. Forcing them to take difficult shots and staying off the line will be crucial.