Celtics have a very good chance to put together two good games in a row tonight. This would be a big step toward confidence and consistency. I'm ready, I just hope the team is. In the meantime, here is what is going on around the Celtics Nation today:

Steve Bulpett has a piece on Telfair and his attitude as he approaches tonight's game against his former teammates. Good for him that he didn't say anything bad about the organization to give them fodder for a grudge match. Telfair has improved over the past couple of games and his defense is improving as well. I still think that Rondo is the better PG but both are playing very well. I do expect Rondo to move into the starting lineup eventually.

The Celtics Notebook begins with a tongue in cheek piece that correlates Perk's defense of his coach with increased playing time and plays being called for him inside. I know that Perk's defense of his coach came from the heart because that's the kind of kid he is. His increased playing time and his larger part in the game plan is the result of his improved play and ability to avoid fouls. I love Perk! Also mentioned in this article is the fact that Gerald has passed Tony on the depth chart. Doc gives better shooting and fewer turnovers as reasons for the move.

The Globe Notebook begins with the news that Kandi probably won't be available for tonight's game. This puts even more pressure on Perk to stay out of foul trouble. I think the big guy is up to the challenge.

Celtics.com has an article that discusses the same topics: Bassy is ready to face his former team and he won't be baited into saying anything bad about them. Kandi is out with an injury. Green is moving ahead of Tony.

Celtics17 discusses the merits of exploring a trade for Pierce at this time. The first 6 games, I would have agreed 100% after watching Pierce turn the ball over at an alarming rate, taking bad shots and seeming to be oblivious to the rest of the team. But in the Indy game, he played team ball. I was very surprised to see that he had scored 32 points in that game because they were all within team play and not Pierce against the world. If he can continue to play like this, he will be very valuable to the team. The key is in the if because if he returns to the old no defense do it on my own Pierce, he hurts the team more than he helps it.


Celtics Nation has the Celtics vying for the privelege of taking Gred Oden in next year's draft. I still expect this team to turn it around this season and therefore don't expect to be in the lottery. Tanking never got the Celtics anything and even if we have the worst record in the league, it doesn't guarantee that we would get the #1 pick. The author suggests that Red is pulling the strings to get the Celtics into the lottery. I couldn't agree less. Red was all about winning and he would never settle for losing, even if the prize is Oden. This team is going to finish strong and make the playoffs this season. Yes, Oden is going to be a dominant player in this league and whatever team gets him will be a force. But it won't be worth a tank job because we all know how the last one worked out.

I am ready to watch the Celtics take that next step tonight as they put together two good games in a row. Join us on Celtics Green for the play by play and for Q's ever insightful commentary. Let's hope the team remembers that defense wins games and picks up where they left off on Wednesday.