Warriors-Celtics Preview: New-Look Golden State to Test Mettle in Boston

Game Time: 7:30 p.m.

Location: TD Banknorth Garden (Da' Gaden)

Tonight the Celtics square off against the Golden State Warriors, who come into town fresh off a drubbing in Washington last night. They are still incorporating Jamal Crawford into their offense and certainly will go through an adjustment period.

Despite the fact the Warriors are playing the second night of back-to-back I expect them to play better than they did last night, even if the end result is similar.  Washington was inspired by the fact that a coaching change gives them hope of improving after their annual slow start.

Tonight Perk has a chance to build some confidence against a one-man frontline that has given up some of the best center stat lines we have seen this year. Rondo should continue his strong play as the trio of Crawford, Morrow and Watson are not known for defensive prowess.

The Warriors as a team are in the bottom half of the league in most defensive categories, which will give all of the Celtics the opportunity to fill up the box score. Two other players that could have monster lines tonight are Ray Allen and Leon Powe. That's not a newsflash, but given where the weaknesses are in the Warriors defense, those two are in position to take advantage.

I look for Celtics to take this game by double digits. Below are the starting lineups for the Warriors and Celtics.

Warriors

G Jamal Crawford

G Anthony Morrow

F Corey Maggette

F Stephen Jackson

C Andris Biedrins

Key Injuries: Monta Ellis

Celtics

G Rajon Rondo

G Ray Allen

F Paul Pierce

F Kevin Garnett

C Kendrick Perkins

Key Injuries: None