Cs Look to Take Control In Game 5

2 @ 2
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
8:00 pm ET
TD BankNorth Garden (Boston, MA)

Quick game note:  Kendrick Perkins says he's fine.

Kendrick Perkins, who suffered a strained left shoulder in the fourth quarter of Game 4 on Sunday, participated in the Celtics' shootaround this morning and will start tonight in Game 5.

"It's a little sore," Perkins said. "But I'm all right."

Let's be clear on one thing:  The Celtics are a team full of tough SOB's.  Can the same REALLY be said about the Orlando Magic? 

Momentum has meant nothing in this series, so there probably won't be much carryover from Baby's big shot.  But if the Celtics do come out of the box hot, then maybe they can jump on Orlando like they did in Game 2. 

Look for Ray Allen early.  Get Ray into some spots 15 feet away from the basket in the first quarter, and then let him extend his range.  Every time he does that... every time he focuses on taking mid-range jumpers early and then taking the 3's later... he's gone OFF.  Big game from Ray = big win for the C's.

- John


Regular Season Record: 59-23
Eastern Conference Seed: 3
Conference Quarterfinals Result: ORL 4, PHI 2

Projected Starters
PG SG SF PF C

Series Leaders
PPG: Rashard Lewis (21.3)
RPG: Dwight Howard (16.3)
APG: Rafer Alston (4.7)
SPG: Mickael Pietrus (1.8)
BPG: Dwight Howard (2.8)



Regular Season Record: 62-20
Eastern Conference Seed: 2
Conference Quarterfinals Result: BOS 4, CHI 3

Projected Starters
PG SG SF PF C

Series Leaders
PPG: Paul Pierce (20.0)
RPG: Kendrick Perkins (11.3)
APG: Rajon Rondo (8.8)
SPG: Rajon Rondo (2.3)
BPG: Kendrick Perkins (2.5)


Injury Report
Jameer Nelson (torn right labrum - out)
Kevin Garnett (right knee - out)
Leon Powe (torn ACL - out)


Keys to Victory

• Attack, Attack, Attack
• Sense of Urgency
• Close Off Penetration
• Control the Defensive Glass
• Take Care of the Ball
• Avoid Foul Trouble