This Saturday the Boston Celtics will travel to the Barclay’s Center to take on the Brooklyn Nets. This will be a key matchup for both teams.
For the Celtics, this game could have an impact on their seeding in the East. They are currently at the fifth seed. They have locked down a playoff spot, but after a recent losing streak, could see themselves falling to a lower seed.
For the Nets, this game is important not only for seeding, but for being one game closer to making the playoffs. The race for the final three playoff spots in the East is tight right now. The Nets hold a half game, and whole game lead over the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic respectively. Getting a big win against an Eastern Conference team will help put the Nets in a better position. Especially as the end of the regular season is so soon.
The Celtics have been streaky. Their season has been marked full of small win streaks here and losing streaks there. Their most recent streak though, was four more games in the ‘L’ column. They have shown confidence though.
Recently in interviews talking about how once they reach the playoffs they will be fine. This is an attitude they could have used at the beginning of the season, but better late than never.
Photo courtesy of Forbes
That doesn’t make up for the fact that they have not been playing very well.
This game is a chance for them to get a strong start into the final stretch of the season so they get off on the right foot in the playoffs.
Fans should be keying in on Gordon Hayward. As we get closer to the playoffs he will need to be stepping up and continue to be a producer for this team. Coming off of his brutal injury last year this could be the start of the run Hayward needs to get some confidence back in his play, and just being on the court.
The Nets will continue to look for their star point guard D’Angelo Russell to show up. Russell has been playing exceptionally well and is really coming into his own as a star point guard in the league.
D’Angelo Russell doing his signature “Ice in his veins” celebration. (Image courtesy of Brooklyn Nets)
Leading the team in points and assists be watching to see how the team utilizes Russell to try and grind out a big win.
Russell’s ability to get his team wins will be a key factor, especially in this game, and heading into the playoffs.
Both teams have not been playing any outstanding basketball recently. Expect this game to be tight.
A big piece could come down to the D’Angelo Russell and Kyrie Irving matchup. Both guards could sway their teams to victory very easily. If one gets locked down it will take heroics from the other players to get their team the win.
Since the Nets are still looking to lock down their playoff spot expect them to be playing all out. The Nets should likely win this game barring any injuries or just a fluke in play.
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