 | @ |  |
|---|---|---|
| 25-35 | 46-13 | |
| February 27, 2009 - 7:30PM EST | ||
| TD Banknorth Garden | ||
| Radio: 1070AM WFNI TV: Fox Sports Indiana | ||
| Probable starters: | ||
| T.J. Ford | PG | Rajon Rondo |
| Jarrett Jack | SG | Ray Allen |
| Marquis Daniels | SF | Paul Pierce |
| Troy Murphy | PF | Leon Powe |
| Roy Hibbert | C | Kendrick Perkins |
Well, this one could be real interesting. For some reason, the Pacers have played some wild games against the Celtics this year, and while a W in Boston is a tall order for the Pacers, there are some a couple of extra story lines to follow which could make for a real entertaining game.
First, both teams are missing vital firepower with Kevin Garnett out for Boston and Danny Granger and Mike Dunleavy missing for the Pacers. The C's are also missing some depth with Brian Scalabrine and Tony Allen on the shelf. Although, since the C's have a much larger cache of weapons, I'd say the Pacers will be at a worse disadvantage.
But the available rosters may be a minor subplot if Stephon Marbury is in the house for the C's. If he's actually in uniform, the place will be buzzing with electricity. Unfortunately for the Pacers, they'll have the C's full attention when you consider the earlier games combined with the fact that they dumped a game to the L.A. Clippers in their last outing.
There's always the hope that bringing Marbury into the mix will cloud the Celtics' karma. There's no doubt that if the C's fall behind the Boston faithful won't wait long to put it on Marbury, even if he doesn't play. Regardless of what happens, there should be plenty of juice in the building. Nothing better than a raucous Celtics crowd, poised and ready to react.
Let's just hope the Pacers are ready to react on the court. Although, after reading through the Boston papers, Marbury's arrival appears to be the main story, while the Pacers and the actual game are a subplot.
Here are the Pacers.com Matchups.
For a Boston perspective, check out Celtics Blog.
Gameday Reading
- Mike Wells focuses on Jarrett Jack stepping up his production with Danny Granger out of the mix.
- Marc J. Spears caught up with Stephon Marbury for a Q & A.
- Mark Murphy has more on Marbury joining the Celtics.
- Update on the Pacers not partaking in the NBA loan with a denial from Herb Simon himself.
- Speaking of NBA finances, Bill Simmons coughed up at least 5,000 words on the topic which entertains, enlightens and frightens all at the same time.
Leave your thoughts and observations in the comments.