It seems that this is the last major playoff run for the Boston’s “Big Three” as the Celtics open the postseason against the host Atlanta Hawks on Sunday. Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett (34 and 35 respectively) are getting longer in the tooth and have been more prone to injury breakdowns, and that goes the same for the guard Ray Allen (36). Even if the fourth seeded Celtics has the experience edge on the playoffs, it seems that the Atlanta Hawks has the power to dispatch the Celtics. Boston Celtics won two of the three regular-season meetings.
Boston Celtics at Atlanta Hawks
When: 7:00 PM ET, Sunday, April 29 2012
Where: Philips Arena, Atlanta, Georgia
The Hawks opened as 2-point favorites on several online sports book sites. Check out Sportsbook.com if you wish to bet on NBA in order to get the best deals.
Boston Celtics (39-27)
The Celtics don’t know the answer yet if Allen can play until close to game time. The veteran guard has been injured on the right ankle and missed the final nine games of the regular season, which is quite a tragedy for the team.
Pierce sympathizes with Allen’s distress. “It’s always frustrating when you’re sitting out,” Pierce said. “Ray is one of the great competitors in the league. I’m sure it eats at him every single day he can’t practice and every single game he can’t play.” Pierce left the regular-season finale due to a sprained left big toe but will be ready for the Hawks. Point Guard Rajon Rondo led the NBA in assists at 11.7 per game.
Atlanta Hawks (40-26)
Atlanta didn’t decline in the fashion some surmised after a season-ending injury to All-Star center Al Horford, which is a factor that forward Josh Smith managed to step up his average score at a career-best 18.8 points to go with 9.6 rebounds. Smith accepted more responsibility as a team leader as well.
“This was definitely a year where I was productive,” Smith said. “With the injury to Al, I had to step up as a scoring leader and being more of a vocal leader. Basically, it was just showing everybody what I always had in my game.” Point guard Jeff Teague will be a pivotal figure as the player who will be defending Rondo.
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