Celtics Title Town

Pacers (4-2)  vs Celtics (4-3)

Coverage: CSNN

7:30 PM ET, January 6, 2012

TD Garden, Boston, MA

 

Injuries:

Pietrus-out

Allen- unknown (I think he plays)

Back story

Allen was told to stay away from Thursday's practice, but coach Doc Rivers said that the guard was "feeling a lot better." Rivers, though, added that Allen remains questionable for Friday's game.

"I think he'll play, but I have no idea," Rivers said.

The Pacers,  pulled out a 107-100 victory over the Celtics on March 28 -- last season's final meeting -- as Roy Hibbert scored 26 points against a smaller,and injury riddled Boston frontcourt. The Celtics have a tough time with the Pacers. A young quick team that can cause problems for the Celtics.

Keys of the game

• The Celtics will have a good test  tonight, and that's because the Pacers have a solid front court. West will play in Boston for the first time since the trade fell through,and I wonder how the Boston fans react,and I wonder how he reacts. Does he put up a great game to shove it down the Celtics throat? I hope not. It's a good test for Bass,and KG to see how they compare.
  
• Rondo  will have a small test in Collison tonight. Rondo has picked up his defense,and his defense is crucial tonight. I want a perfect start from Rondo. He doesn't need to score a lot,but he needs to control the offense,and his defense needs to set the tempo as well.
  
• Rebounding has been okay for Boston during this winning streak,and I really want to see them win the battle tonight.
  
• Turnovers will cost the Celtics this game if they continue to give up over 15 a game.
  

I hope Ray plays tonight so we can see how this match-up works for the CELTICS. The Pacers could be a playoff match-up for the Celtics. The road ahead is tough,but at least their home. Good test tonight.