Game 48 Preview: Sixers at Celtics

Brandon Bass and the Celtics big men will have to work hard to secure
rebounds against Thaddeus Young and the Sixers.

Well, now they're even.

Last month, the Celtics embarrassed the Knicks on their homecourt. Last night, the Knicks got even.

So now the Celtics (15-32) have no choice but to move on. Why? Because they have business to take care of tonight. They host the Philadelphia 76ers (14-31) in the second night of a back-to-back.

This is the first meeting of the season between these two teams. Both squads occupy the basement of the Atlantic Division and are near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. Both teams are 2-8 in their last ten games, and they both have lost three straight games.

Buckle up, folks. This one oughta be fun.


Projected lineups:

Sixers:

Michael Carter-Williams
James Anderson
Evan Turner
Thaddeus Young
Spencer Hawes

Celtics:

Phil Pressey

Gerald Wallace

Jeff Green

Brandon Bass

Jared Sullinger

Keys to the game:

1. Get on the glass: The Celtics have improved drastically throughout the year when it comes to rebounding. However, they'll have their hands full tonight with the 76ers. Philly ranks ninth in the league in rebounds, pulling down an average of 44.8 a night. Winning the battle of the boards could prove to be critical.

2. Don't let them run: Philly ranks third in the NBA in fast-break points per game with 17.1. Boston's been mediocre when it comes to defending the fast-break, giving up 13.1 points per game on the fast-break. Boston's defense needs to get back quickly and prevent easy baskets from this young and quick basketball team.