The Boston Celtics were able to snap a four game losing streak, their longest of the season, Wednesday night on national TV against the Indiana Pacers. Boston now looks to build on their last win against the struggling and injury-riddled Phoenix Suns Friday night.
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The Celtics dropped to 10th in the Eastern Conference before their win over Indiana, but now are tied for 8th with the Orlando Magic, at 20-19.
The Suns had higher hopes for this season, but after losing star point guard Eric Bledsoe they are focusing more on who to draft than making the playoffs. Their other star guard, Brandon Knight, was dealing with food poisoning but should be active on Friday. Phoenix will be without center Alex Len due to a hand injury however.
With Len out Mirza Teletovic and Markieff Morris should see more time. The Suns are like the Celtics as they use a lot of different lineups. Devin Booker, Brandon Knight and P.J. Tucker are the only players on the Suns that get consistent minutes. Guys like Tyson Chandler and Jon Leuer have their minutes fluctuate like crazy, anywhere from 15 minutes one night to over 30 the next.
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Boston was able to get back on track this week thanks to another big night from Isaiah Thomas and Amir Johnson‘s dominance on the glass. Jae Crowder also stepped up with 25 points and two big steals late in the game for easy dunks.
Johnson could have another big rebounding game considering the Suns are 21st in the NBA in rebounds per game (42.8 rebounds per game). He has been huge for the Celtics over the past five games, averaging 13.4 points per game and 10.0 rebounds per game. That is a lot higher than his season averages of 8.4 points per game and 6.5 rebounds per game.
Despite the great couple of games Johnson has had, Thomas has easily been the best player on the court for the Celtics. Thomas was two points shy from his third straight 30 point game, averaging 32.3 points per game over the past three games. Right now Isaiah Thomas is playing out of his mind, and has a shot at being named an All-Star. After having a disappointing game against the Chicago Bulls it’s nice to see him bounce back in a big way. Phoenix gives up the second most points in the league, 106.4 opponents points per game. Therefore if Thomas gets going early he could be on his way to another 30 point game.
The biggest thing to look out for is who in the Celtics front court steps up. The Suns front court is a little banged up and has not been consistent this season, giving guys in a jumbled front court for the Celtics a chance to step up.
Jared Sullinger leads the team with 8.7 rebounds per game, but has recorded five or more rebounds in just three of the past seven games. He has regained his starter spot and despite only seeing 20 minutes in each of the past two games his production should have been better than four points and three rebounds against Indiana.
The good new is, Sullinger has not attempted a three in the past three games. If he continues to go inside and shoot mid-range shots, especially against Leuer, he could be in for a big game.
It is always interesting to see what Brad Stevens does with his deep front court. Boston is still trying to find a consistent rotation for their big men, and this is a good game to test out different lineups.
Boston has prided themselves on their defensive intensity all season long. They got away from that a little during their four game stretch but seemed to out play Indiana on Wednesday. That doesn’t mean their rough patch is over. Although, a manageable win against Phoenix would help this team continue to get back on track. Boston is catching the Suns at the right time as they have only won 2 of their last 15 games, and haven’t won on the road since defeating the Bulls in early December.
The Celtics should be in for another easy win, possibly shooting them back to the eight seed in the Eastern Conference. The guard matchup of Isaiah Thomas and Brandon Knight should be fun to watch, but the more intriguing matchup may be Devin Booker and Avery Bradley.
Bradley is one of the best defensive guards in the league and Booker has shot well since his role expanded after Bledsoe’s injury. Booker won’t beat the Celtics by himself but could be in for another big game. The 19-year-old has scored at least ten points in eight of his last nine games. He is starting to adjust to the NBA speed and is showing why he was considered one of the best scoring prospects in last year’s draft.
The Celtics have struggled recently but not like the Suns. Losing to Phoenix, a team who is playing as bad as the Philadelphia 76ers, would be terrible. Stevens is a great coach and should make sure his team doesn’t fall into this trap game. Boston is the better and should continue to get back on track Friday night.