Sports Interaction
Promotions
Sports Interaction
Promotions

NBA: Pumped Celtics Focussed on Contenders

  • Al Dannity's Author profile. Al Dannity

Add Sports Interacton as Your Preferred News Source

Boston may have one of the oldest teams in the NBA but these Celtics are playing with youthful vigor against the league’s elite. Orlando became the latest victim of the charging Celtics on Sunday afternoon.

Taking care of business
Wins over the Spurs, Lakers, and now two over Orlando since the start of January have handed momentum to the Boston Celtics as the All Star break approaches. Boston hold a 1.5 game lead in the Eastern Conference and look in good standing to build on that advantage before the break. Sunday’s victory over Orlando showed the scale of the task ahead of Boston’s opponents. Rajon Rondo had a relatively tame performance in terms of assists but delivered with a season-high 26 points. The multiple scoring threats at Boston’s disposal presents huge defensive questions for the other contenders as we prepare for the business-end of the NBA season.

Health not a factor
Boston’s four selections for the All Star game have endured some knocks this season. Compared to recent years however 2010/11 has been relatively healthy for the Celtics, with no season-altering injuries affecting their charge to the top of the conference. Given Boston’s age profile, this improvement on the injury front is vital if this group of players want to make it back to the NBA Finals. Improved management of minutes has certainly helped the likes of Kevin Garnett stay in better shape this season. With less wear and tear to contend with, the Celtics are in good form to take on their fellow contenders. Yesterday’s to Marquis Daniels may cause some concern with NBA betting fans. For the most part however Boston’s bench remains intact and more than capable of covering for the big names.

Two big match-ups before the break
The Celtics will get two more chances to prove themselves before the All Star break. Thursday sees the Lakers visit Boston, before the Heat come to town on Sunday. Victory in either would be a huge boost before Boston’s four All Stars depart for the big show in Los Angeles. Winning both would leave no doubt as to who the favorites for the NBA Championship are right now. The Miami game is particularly interesting as a win would ensure Boston come out on top in the regular season series. In a season this close, the Celtics will look for every psychological edge available to carry into the playoffs. It promises to be quite a week.