Boston Celtics v. Utah Jazz: Why Match-Ups Point to a C's Victory at TD Garden
Tonight at TD Garden, the Boston Celtics take on Deron Williams and the visiting Utah Jazz; a team that is currently tied for the lead in Northwest division with the Oklahoma City Thunder at 27-15.
The Jazz, currently occupying the fifth spot in the west, are hoping their success against the East so far will carry over into Boston Friday night, as they boast a 14-4 record against the conference.
Boston, 20-3 at home on the year, will look to continue their success in the Garden. They are winners of six of their last seven at home and have one loss at home in the entire month of January.
Here are the key match-ups in tonight's game, featuring two of the leagues elite teams.
Shaquille O'Neal v. Al Jefferson: The Old Against the Young
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Shaquille O'Neal will have his hands full from the tip-off, going against one of the league's better younger talents in Al Jefferson.
Jefferson, a former Celtic, is in his sixth year in the league and has proven to be a key acquisition for the Jazz.
In his last five games, Jefferson has posted an impressive 20.8 points per game to go along with 8.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocked shots a contest.
O'Neal has also been impressive as of late, posting 11.4 points per game and 4.4 rebound per game in just 24 minutes an outing. Fresh off of a double-double performance in Detroit, the big fella looks better than he has all season.
Despite the step-up play from O'Neal as of late, Jefferson will prove to be too quick for the old guy. Look for Jefferson to possibly get Shaq in foul trouble early, giving the advantage to Jefferson. Not to mention his numbers have been superb as of late.
Advantage: Utah
Garnett v. Millsap: A Battle of Experience
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Despite coming off of an injury, Garnett seems to be right back on track, with the Celtics 2-0 since his return including a win against the Orlando Magic in his first game back.
Since his return, has average 15 points a game and seven rebounds. More importantly than these numbers, Garnett has helped the Cs get back to their standard winning ways, grinding it out on the defensive end.
Millsap, another one of the league's better younger talents, like Jefferson, is an impact player that crashes the glass and is an effective offensive player. This season he is averaging just under 18 points a game and eight rebounds.
Given the Cs are at home, and Garnett has played well, you have to give the advantage to the big ticket down low.
Advantage: Boston
Paul Pierce v. Andre Kirilenko: The Cs Need the Truth
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From beginning to end this will be the match-up to watch in Friday night's show-down. The Celtics will have to go to Pierce early and often, as this will be the match-up to take advantage of.
Kirilenko is a great athlete, and is long on the defensive end. His activity on defense will be key to how the smooth and effective the C's offense can be.
Pierce, arguably the best player for the C's halfway through the season, has been effective as of late, averaging 19.2 points in his last five games, while shooting 59 percent from the field and 56 from behind the arc. His shot selection and movement on offense is vital to a C's victory.
The other objective will be to get Kirilenko in foul trouble from the get-go. His ability to run the floor and play effectively at both ends could cause problems from time to time.
The easiest match-up to call so far, Pierce gets the easy nod in this one. Look for the Celtics to take advantage of Pierce's quickness and ability to take Kirilenko off the dribble.
Advantage: Boston
Ray Allen v. Raja Bell: Not As Easy As It Looks
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From first glance this match-up is easy to call. Right? One of the best shooters in league history is going against a slightly better than average two-guard.
This match-up will be tough. Raja Bell, despite not having the name that Allen does, is a force to reckon with on the defensive end.In his last three games, he's averaging just over two steals a game. Not to mention he takes good care of possessions, turning the ball over just twice in his last five games, playing over 30 minutes a game in each.
Ray Allen, of course, is Ray Allen. He's been scoring 16.3 a game in his last five, edging out Bell by nearly five points. From the field he has been shooting 51 percent, roughly 12 percent better than Bell.
Bell's defensive play is the key to this match-up. If Allen's art of moving without the ball is undisturbed, look for Allen to take full advantage of his looks. Yet, if Bell can make shots a tad more difficult for Allen, this could be a whole new ball game.
Allen should get the better of the match-up here, but don't underestimate Raja, he's been on his game on defense.
Advantage: Boston
Rajon Rondo v. Deron Williams: 2 of This League's Finest
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If there's two players that play the point-guard position as well as anyone in the league, Rondo and Williams are arguably two of the best.
From tip-off onward, this will be the one match-up to keep an eye on. Rondo likes to push the tempo and move the defense, while Williams flourishes in the half-court set with Millsap and Jefferson to feed to in the paint.
As of late, based on numbers, Williams certainly has edged out Rondo. In his last five games, Williams is averaging 22.4 points per game to go along with 11.4 assists and 33 trips to the free-throw line.
Rondo will need all the help-defense he can get, as Williams will look to take the ball to the cup and not settle for outside jumpers. As for Rondo, he will need to make sure he plays his game, and doesn't let Williams control the game's tempo in his own backyard.
At the end of the day neither of the two will edge out the other by much, but the favorite has to be Williams, for his play as of late has been as good as it gets.
Advantage: Utah
Prediction: Who Gets The Victory Friday Night?
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After looking at the match-ups, the advantage is with the Celtics in Friday's game at TD Garden.
According to AccuScore, the Celtics are a 5.5 point favorite coming into tonight's game. The Cs may not necessarily cover the spread, but look for the Cs to edge this one out come crunch time. Their 20-3 record at home is no joke, and Utah has looked sluggish as of late.
Losers of their last four on the road, including their two most recent losses coming to New Jersey and Washington, Utah will have to play quite the game to break the losing streak.
With Garnett is back and playing tough on the defensive end, it should be a long night for Utah. Look for the Jazz's struggles to only continue.
Winner: Boston Celtics
