Nov 18, 2012; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Boston Celtics power forward Jeff Green (8) during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

For the 6th straight year the Boston Celtics have clinched a playoff berth with a win over Detroit. Just like this win, this season hasn’t always been so pretty. It’s been somewhat frustrating and the injuries have piled up but this team has the type of resolve that you just love seeing in teams. Now that resolve doesn’t always translate into statistical dominance, especially in the rebounding area.

Tonight’s game was a textbook example of the Celtics’ ineptitude on the glass. Boston was out rebounded by 52-34 and 25-4 on the offensive glass. I’m beginning to sound like broken record when it comes to the Celtics rebounding but I don’t want to take much away from the Celtics game. The Celtics seemed to be in control of the game for much of the 2nd  - 3rd quarter where they led by as much as 18 points. Then a 14-0 run by Detroit cut that lead to 4.  For the most part the Celtics played pretty good initial defense just gave way too much up off of the offensive rebounds.

Jeff Green was the Celtics leading scorer with 34 points(I will get into more about his game when I review the Keys to the game). Bass led the Celtics in rebounds with 7 and Paul led them in assists with 5.

Player to Watch: Andre Dummond

In my preview for the game I stated that Drummond was the Detroit Big the Celtics had to look out for. He didn’t do too much damage after the 1st quarter where he had 5 boards. A lot of the damage tonight came from Greg Monroe who had 24  points and 17 rebounds. It should also be noted that the Pistons didn’t involve Drummond in any P&R plays where he finished the play(18% of his possesions are P&Rs)

Reviewing the Keys to the game

1. Stop the Pick and Roll:

Detroit didn’t utilize the Pick & Roll action much tonight as they went 1 for 4 on plays where the roll man finished the play.  Grade:A

2. Get Jeff Going Early:

Like I said in the preview it was imperative that Boston get Jeff going early. He started out by scoring the Celtics first 5 points, and finished with 14 in the 1st half. He finished with a very efficient 34 points on 19 shots. Jeff’s great play as of late is most likely a direct correlation to his bump in minutes and his starting spot. Per NBA.com/stats in 11 starts Jeff is averaging 22.5 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks. This should be just what he needs to convince Doc to insert him permanently into the starting lineup.

Grade:A+

3.Get Contributions from the “Other Guys”:

Boston didn’t really get much in terms of production from the bench only contributing 17 points  but it wasn’t really necessary with the production they got from the starters.

Grade:C

While they barely won against a lottery team and almost blew an 18 point lead there were still some positives to be gained from this win. I think we can all agree now that Jeff is a starting forward/power forward capable player for this team. He’s shown over the past month that he can be counted on to take smart shots and play solid defense. The same old rebounding troubles haunted the Celtics but in general no new major trends crept their heads out tonight. KG is still resting and Doc has assured that he’ll be 100% by the playoffs so for now lets look ahead to hopefully another successful playoff run.

January 20, 2013; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (1) shoots the ball over Boston Celtics small forward Paul Pierce (34) in the fourth quarter at The Palace. Detroit won 103-88. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

With 8 games remaining in the regular season for Boston every game from here on counts. Tonight the Celtics will look to win their first game against Detroit.  Detroit which has been a surprisingly tough match up for Boston, has won the last two meetings by 15 and 20 points. Detroit has actually been their toughest opponent all season as Boston has their worst Net rating(Offensive Rating minus Defensive Rating) 16.1 against the Pistons.

Paul Pierce missed Boston’s last game against the Timberwolves due to what was reported as “Personal Reasons” but Doc has assured that Paul will be back in the lineup tonight. It still hasn’t been reported when exactly KG is due back but I don’t think Doc is in much of a hurry to get him back. Doc has always preferred rest and health over playoff seeding. Especially since all Boston needs is one win and a Philadelphia loss(or two Philly losses) to clinch a playoff berth.

Player to Watch: Andre Drummond

Coming into the Draft, Dummond was  maligned for his perceived lack of effort or motor but he’s certainly been a pleasure to watch and has made Detroit a better team. According to NBA.com/stats  Drummond has the highest +/- of any player with at least 700 minutes logged on the court for Detroit(0.7). A strong rebounder and shot blocker combines his excellent athleticism with great strength. The Celtics biggest problem tonight might be defending Drummond on the pick and roll. According to synergy sports Dummond scores 1.14 points per possession on the pick & roll as the roll man. He has the strength and athleticism necessary to finish tough layups/dunks around the rim. It really makes you wonder why it took so long for Lawerence Frank to insert him in the starting lineup. His per 36 numbers certainly warranted a starting nod. Boston really has to look out for this big man tonight.

Keys to the Game:

1. Stop the Pick & Roll: Detroit doesn’t do many things well but one of the few things they do well is finish on the pick and roll. They employ many bigs who are very proficient  as the roll man. They rank 10th in the league on possession where the roll man finishes the play scoring 1.03 points per play.

2. Get Jeff going early: Jeff as of late has really come one strong for the Celtics. In his last 10 games Jeff has really stepped  up his game averaging 19.2 pts with a 103 offensive rating. I’ve already detailed his clutch outings last week. The point is Jeff has stepped up and it’s been a pleasure to watch.

3. Get contributions from the “Other Guys”: By “other guys” I mean guys like Terry,Crawford, Williams and Randolph. Doc, out of necessity has been tinkering with the lineups giving guys like Randolph more playing time.  Now with more playing time  means more expected production.

I wouldn’t really expect scintillating basketball but still this game is very important as Milwaukee is closing in on Boston’s 7th spot. Although it has yet to be seen whether Doc really cares where the Celtics are in the standings as long as their in the playoffs. Lets just hope the Celtics show up and not the Welptics(a nickname coined by @JoshZavadil).

Jan 23, 2013; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies small forward Rudy Gay (22) brings the ball up court during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the FedEx Forum. The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 106-93. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden–USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies and Toronto Raptors are closing in on deal that would send Rudy Gay to Toronto, but to complete the trade they need a third team to get involved. The Grizzlies have no interest in acquiring point guard Jose Calderon and would like to send him elsewhere. With the Celtics looking for a short term replacement to fill Rajon Rondo’s spot, could Boston try getting in on the action?

According to Adrian Wojnarowski -

Several league officials tell Y! Sports that Memphis has a plan to route Jose Calderon to a third team for assets in Rudy Gay deal.

While Kevin Garnett and Jose Calderon have had a history, acquiring Calderon would be a great move. He’s a more than capable leader on the court and he can supply points. But the only remaining question is who would Boston have to give up? The Celtics have made it pretty clear that they will not be trading Jared Sullinger or Avery Bradley, and Boston probably isn’t willing to trade a player like Brandon Bass for a point guard.

With the fact that Boston has been in trade discussions with the Memphis before, it’s possible that Danny Ainge might still be on the phone with both Memphis and Toronto.

UPDATE # 1

From Ken Berger of CBS Sports -

League source confirms Memphis-Toronto discussions for Rudy Gay deal have reached ownership level. Two and three-team scenarios in play.

According to Marc Stein of ESPN, there are also reports that a number of other teams are attempting to make runs at Jose Calderon.

Third team not yet in stone but Pistons have had interest in Calderon all season & have two SFs to help MEM fill Gay void: Prince & Maggette

ESPN sources say Dallas is other prime landing spot for Calderon, but I’m told Mavs reluctant to part with SF that Grizz want: Vince Carter

It seems like a trade could be imminent, but there are a lot of conflicting reports. This may go on for a while as teams try to be the third team of a potential trade.

UPDATE # 2 

According to Marc Stein, a trade may be imminent.

ESPN link to Grizz/Raps Rudy Gay trade in principle … with Detroit or Dallas looming as possible third team in: http://es.pn/XT6HzE 

But according to Sam Amick of USA Today, Boston might be involved.

ESPN link to Grizz/Raps Rudy Gay trade in principle … with Detroit or Dallas looming as possible third team in: http://es.pn/XT6HzE 

UPDATE # 3

David Aldridge is reporting that the Detroit Pistons will complete the deal.

Source says Grizzlies will complete three-team trade with Toronto by sending Jose Calderon to Detroit for Prince and a second round pick…

Source confirms @ESPNSteinLine report that MEM will send Rudy Gay/Haddadi to Toronto for Ed Davis/Calderon, who will be flipped to Detroit.