The Celtics are better on the road than they are at home. The last decent team to pull this off was, well, the Pistons. That year, Detroit lost in the EC finals to a more or less evenly matched Cleveland team. If present standings hold, the Celtics will face the Bucks in the first round. I bring this up for no reason whatsoever.
With the Celtics' recent injuries, Boston derangement syndrome is out the window, and the team is playing more like anyone should expect it might. With opposing coaches no longer obsessing over the big 2.25, the team is facing more balanced defenses.
Nonetheless, Rajon Rondo should have no problem dissecting our guards, and Boston's over-reliance on the long ball won't hurt them. The question is whether the Celtics can exploit our front court the way other teams have been able to.
The Drama
It's the Celtics. Further, it's a Celtics team that is clearly floundering. Also it's kind of on national TV. Rip and Tay might work it out for this one.
Keys for Detroit
Mind the frontcourt -- Kevin Garnett is the new Antonio McDyess, so guard him accordingly. Kendrick Perkins can do some more damage, but I think the Pistons have the bodies to nullify him a bit.
Play Rondo right -- Rondo put up solid numbers against Cleveland, but it took him 40 minutes to get 16 points, 6 assists, and 8 rebounds. He's the best player on the team, so Detroit would be happy with this stat line.
Play Daye - I'm going to cut and paste this for the rest of the season.
Question of the Game
Will 'Sheed dribble the ball off his boobs? That would be funny to see.
Valuable Links
This is a video of an opossum fighting a kitten over a dead squirrel.