Saturday, December 12th, 2009

                                                 United Center- Chicago, IL

                                                      Tip-Off 7:00 PM EST

The Boston Celtics are on the road again tonight as they take on the Chicago Bulls at the United Center in Chicago, IL. The Celtics come into the game as winners of nine straight and have an overall record of 18-4. The Bulls are currently 8-13. The Bulls finally got back on the winning side of things last night after beating Golden State. They had lost four games in a row before last night and there are talks in Chicago about firing Vinny (Del Negro).

After last years historic first round playoff game we can expect tonight’s game to be very physical. The Bulls are still a young team but they are one of those teams that can beat any team any night, or in contrast get beat by 20 by any team on any night. The Celtics are going to have to make sure to keep the perimeter on lock tonight as 4 of the 5 Bulls starters are capable of making open three’s. The Bulls are also a very scrappy team, the Celtics are going to have to keep Noah, Miller, and Deng off the boards if they want to put this team away.

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As far as individual matchups, there are some very interesting one’s between these two team. It all starts with the two young guns at the point guard spot, Rajon Rondo and Derrick Rose. Both of these guys will more than likely step up their games tonight trying to make a statement to one another. We should also pay close attention to the battle inside tonight between Kendrick Perkins and Joakim Noah. In last years playoff matchup we saw the two of these guys get into it a few times. Both of these guys are very vocal and physical players, it should be interesting to watch.

Tonight we will again be paying close attention to how Doc will make up for the loss of Marquis Daniels. Last game against Washington we saw some quality minutes from Tony Allen. With the troubles TA has had in Chicago (receiving death threats) we may not see TA as much tonight. We may see increased minutes from Pierce and Ray Allen if that is what is needed for a victory, or we may see some early minutes from J.R Giddens.

The Bulls are currently a team that is struggling, the Celtics need to go in their tonight and destroy any thoughts the Bulls may have of getting a victory. This is not a game that we want to let the Bulls hang around in, espically on their home court. If the C’s can continue doing what they have been the past nine games this game should be an easy victory for the good guys.

Tune into our live chat at 6:00 PM EST to talk all things Celtics.

TD Garden – Boston, MA

7:30 PM ET Tip

The Bucks are a team who started the season out at a surprising 8-3 mark, but since then have shown their true identity but falling back below .500 to 9-10. Milwaukee has lost 3 in a row, and 7 of their last 8 coming into tonights game. The Celtics are the complete opposite, and have won 7 in a row after coming off a tough 4 game road trip. The C’s can not take the Bucks lightly tonight, as Millwaukee is a team with a lot of talent that comes out in spurts. After a great road trip, and coming home to team we should beat easily, this could, but hopefully isnt, a let down game.

There should be two intriguing matchups tonight that feature Rondo and the rookie Jennings, as well as Perkins and Andrew Bogut. Brandon Jennings has been a huge spark, which is an understatement, for the Bucks. He is averaging 21.3 ppg and is lethal from behind the arc at 44.8%. As most of the NBA world has heard, Jennings put up 55 points this year against Golden State. Obviously GS does not have the greatest defense in the world, but 55 points against anyone is nothing to look past. Rajon Rondo will have his work cut out for him keeping Jennings in check. The thing with Rondo is he usually rises to the occasion when playing young PG talent, to prove that he is the better player. As for the other matchup, Bogut has missed quite a few games this year, and since coming back has not been nearly as consistent as he was before. In the last 3 games he has only averaged 7.7 ppg. Never look past his ability, because he is another key factor to how Milwaukee got out to such a fast start. This is deffinitely not a night off for Perk on the defensive end.

As was written by us before, the Celtics should have a clean sweep of their 4 home games this month. It starts with Milwaukee tonight. The Bucks are coming in down and out, and are very deflated after starting the season and drawing everyones attention. They have stepped back into the shadow of all the great teams, however still have the talent to compete with the best of them. If the C’s look past the game tonight, certain players like Jennings and Bogut can easily lead them to victory. 8 in a row can be made tonight, before heading back out on the road for 3 more starting in Washington.

Be sure to stop by for the Pregame chat which will begin at 7:00. The chat will run throughout the entire game, so throw out a comment that you feel is relevant to the Celtics and Bucks.