Tonight’s Game is a MUST-WIN for the Celtics
The Boston Celtics take on the Indiana Pacers tonight at Bankers Life Fieldhouse with tip-off starting at 8:00 PM, EST. It looks like it is going to be tough as the Celtics are battling several injuries.
#NEBHInjuryReport for tomorrow vs Indiana:
Jaylen Brown (low back spasms) – DOUBTFUL
Al Horford (left knee soreness) – PROBABLE
Marcus Morris (right knee soreness) – OUT— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 4, 2019
To say that this is a must-win for the Celtics is an understatement. This is the game that the Celtics need for many reasons.
This Game Pretty Much Settles Home Court In The Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
This is the most obvious reason the Celtics need a win. The 1, 2, and 3 seeds are all locked up, leaving the 4 and 5 still waiting to be decided upon. The Celtics and Pacers both currently stand at 47-32 on the season. The Celtics currently lead the head to head series 2-1 with tonight’s game remaining. If the Celtics win tonight, and also win one of their two remaining games, then they finish with the 4 seed and obtain home-court advantage in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Considering the Celtics are 28-12 currently at home, home-court wouldn’t hurt in the first round.
The Celtics Have Been Playing Better Lately
The Celtics have been playing a good stretch of basketball lately. They have won 4 of their last 5, including an impressive home and home series against the Heat. Sure, the Celtics have blown some leads in those games. But, they are finding ways to win games at the right time. Going into the playoffs with some recent wins can only help the Celtics. There is no excuse for the Celtics to lay an egg in this game (with the exception of their injuries…I guess).
The Pacers Are Mediocre On The Road
The Celtics could use this win tonight because the Pacers have a similar road record. Both teams are 19-20 on the road. But, the Pacers were 30-10 at home this season. Plain and simple, win tonight so you do not have to win a game in Indiana. We have seen the Celtics on the road at times and all I can say is…YIKES!
In Conclusion
It is going to be a tough game tonight. But, the Celtics need to find a way to get it done. They have had some bad losses this season, which put them in their current position. But, if they can show the entire NBA that they can beat a legitimate playoff contender on the road; then the Celtics will be in a much better position. We’re in for a thriller tonight!
-Alan Nahigian (@BigAl2793)
P.S. Does this look like a superstar who hates his head coach?
"Our relationship has just grown tremendously just in terms of our communication, what he likes and what I like, but ultimately what’s best for our team.”
Kyrie Irving says he and Brad Stevens – his fifth NBA coach – are connecting well.https://t.co/ngjXznwDmD pic.twitter.com/XQIEMRN5G9
— Tom Westerholm (@Tom_NBA) April 4, 2019
Kyrie staying in Boston CONFIRMED…maybe.