Game 50 Preview: Celtics at Sixers

Kris Humphries and the Celtics look to extract revenge from last week's
heart-breaker vs. the Sixers.

The Celtics (16-33) won their first game on Sunday with Rajon Rondo in the lineup.

Tonight, they will try to start their first winning streak with Rondo, and they will do so against the Philadelphia 76ers (15-34).

Since their last-second win in Boston, the Sixers have lost three straight and have re-gained last place in the Atlantic Division.

Tonight's game marks the second of the three this week against teams with a combined winning percentage of .300.


Projected lineups:

Celtics:
Rajon Rondo
Avery Bradley
Jeff Green
Brandon Bass
Jared Sullinger

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


Keys to the game:

1. Keep them out of the paint: Last Wednesday in Boston, the Sixers scored 58 points in the paint. On the year, the Sixers are second in the league in points in the paint (51.6). Boston made it easy for Philly to get to the paint all night, as Philly's guards were able to blow by the Celtics' front line all night long. Lest we forget, Evan Turner's game-winning shot came on a floater in the paint. Defending the paint is going to be crucial tonight.

2. Avery Bradley: Bradley's return on Sunday gave the Celtics a much-needed lift. Now that he's back, look for him to get a heavy dose of shots, especially tonight. In their wins, Bradley has averaged 15.4 points and is shooting 50% from the field and 43.2% from three-point range. In their losses, his numbers dip to 14.1, 41.3% and 33.3%. Bradley's success is a direct effect on the team's success.