Gameday Preview: Celtics vs. Nets
The Celtics take on the Nets tonight at 8:00 PM EST in their second and final game of the preseason.
In their first game the Celtics were beaten by the 76ers 108-99, leaving a lot to be desired. For the majority of the first half the C’s looked very sloppy on both sides of the ball, allowing Philadelphia to get to the paint at will. There were far too many turnovers and it seemed as though Boston had no flow to their offense. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown both struggled to get things going, and despite some classic hustle plays Marcus Smart didn’t look great either. The real highlights of the night were newly acquired point guard Jeff Teague and rookie Payton Pritchard. Both guys brought a calming presence to the floor and scored with great efficiency. While it’s nice to have guys helping off the bench, the starters are going to have to get back to normal if they want to compete with this year’s new and improved Nets roster.
This is Brooklyn’s one and only preseason game this year, and the first time Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant will rep a Nets uniform on the court. Irving’s first real return to Boston will unfortunately be without fans at TD Garden to greet him, but I suppose that will just have to wait for another time. With a supporting cast of Caris LeVert, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Jarrett Allen, this is not a team to take lightly.
The biggest things to look for in this one will be Tatum and Brown’s play and the matchup at center. After being out against the 76ers, Daniel Theis will be back in action in this one. He’s going to help Boston protect the paint much better, as that was one area they desperately struggled with in their first preseason contest. As for Tatum and Brown, these are the type of matchups where they will have to thrive. If the C’s want to be a legit contender in the East this year they’re going to have to be ready to take on guys like Irving and Durant without fear.
Make sure to tune into our live pregame show, the Banner Town Build Up presented by Guy Boston Sports, live on twitter @GuyBostonSports at 7:30 PM EST. Get ready for the 8:00 PM start with us and be ready to get hyped for more Celtics basketball!
