CELTICS GREEN BLOG by and for boston celtics fans: Random Thoughts and Final Preseason Game Preview

Well, now the speculation can stop as to whether Scal would be bought out and whether Sam would move to the coaching staff. In the end, Danny made the most obvious move. Miles was the only one with a non-guaranteed contract and his playing time had dwindled as the preseason wore on. They could have kept him on the roster until just before opening night, but they wanted to give him a chance to catch on with another team. He can still play and according to Doc and Danny his behavior problems are far behind him. Some team should take a chance on him. If I was a GM in the Blazers' division, I would be picking him off waivers right now. How often do you have a chance to help your team while at the same time sticking it to a rival?

This may be the season that Gerald Green finally matures into his talent. He has looked good in the preseason for the Mavericks but then again, we have seen him excel in the summer league as well as in the preseason but then fizzle when the games count. I always get attached to our young guys and like to keep an eye on them even after they are traded. The Celtics had such high hopes for Gerald but he just wasn't mature enough to make the most of his talent. I felt sorry for him in the Slam Dunk contest last season because he really worked hard on his dunks and that was pretty much all he had going for him and then to be upstaged so thoroughly must have been a blow to his ego. I really hope that he does well this season.

Perk is making strides to be an even better player this season then he was last season, and he was pretty solid last season. I have noticed that he is making an effort to go right up with the ball when he catches it around the basket instead of putting it on the floor like he used to. I can see Perk taking another leap in his development this season.

Boston Celtics (5-2) at New York Knicks (2-2)
Preseason Game #8 – Road Game #4
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
7:30 PM ET
TV: CSN, MSG, DTV LP ch 751
Radio: WEEI
Madison Square Garden
New York, NY

Tonight the Celtics will play their final preseason game against the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden. The Knicks beat the Celtics in their first meeting at the TD Banknorth Garden behind 19 points from Nate Robinson and 15 from Zach Randolph. In spite of the Celtics' 3 stars playing more minutes than they had in any previous game and 27 points from Eddie House, the Celtics lost 104-97. The Celtics will be looking to avenge that loss as they clash in the other Garden.

Rondo had said that he planned to play in this game but reports this morning indicate that Doc will hold him out again just as a precaution. This will give Gabe Pruitt a chance to once again try to prove that he is capable of holding down the back up PG spot.

Probable Starting Matchups
PG: Gabe Pruitt vs Chris Duhon
SG: Ray Allen vs Jamal Crawford
SF: Paul Pierce vs Quentin Richardson
PF: Kevin Garnett vs Wilson Chandler
C: Kendrick Perkins vs Zach Randolph

Players to watch
Celtics

With the Celtics carrying 4 point guards into the season, it will be up to Gabe to prove he deserves playing time. Sam hasn't played in the preseason, but that doesn't mean he won't get minutes when the season begins. Eddie House has proved that he is more than capable of playing the back up PG spot, but more than that he is instant offense off the bench. I can see a second unit with Tony at the 3, Eddie at the 2 and Gabe playing the point.

Tony has made some bold statements about his ability to replace James Posey. He has had some great games but has been inconsistent. He tends to follow up a big game with one that is less than memorable. We need to see consistency from Tony.
Knicks

Nate Robinson had his way with the Celtics in their last meeting and it will be interesting to see if the Celtics can stop him in this game.

You can't stop Eddie Curry. You can only hope to contain him.

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