Boston Celtics @ Denver Nuggets
For one moment forget
the fact that the Nuggets will face the Celtics tonight, let's just
concentrate on the Nuggets right now. Well, they finished yesterday
their longest road trip of the season (8 games) and now they return
home to play a back to back game. Note that this is their fourth game
in 6 days and despite playing at home, they had to travel to play
tonight. This is a strong spot to fade them in any circumstance, as a
physical letdown is the most likely scenario to happen in the second
half. Last night they led the game against the Bucks by 72-69 at the
break and then they were outscored 45-51 in the second half. Note also
that their best big man Nene Hilario got injured late in the game and
most likely he won't play tonight (he is listed as doubtful). If they
had played instead against a lowly team tonight, I would be on the
other side as well, as this is a tough spot for them.
Now we can add the Celtics to the discussion. If you want to beat
the Celtics, you must outmuscle them, you can't plain and simple try to
outscoring them! Look for the Suns yesterday, they got spanked at home
by 20 points! This is tough for the Nugetts because as we saw they will
have tired legs for tonight and the Celtics are in a better condition.
Not only this is their third game in 6 days, but also because
yesterday's game was more an entertainment game than really a "tough
game". I have to remember that the Nuggets went to Boston earlier in
the season and defeated the Celtics at home (the first home loss of the
season), so this is a big revenge game for the champs.
The only possible disadvantage of the Celtics for tonight's game is
the battle of the boards, as Kevin Garnett is out. However, without
Nene Hilario the Nuggets are also shorthanded down the post as well and
I must remember that with yesterday's win at Phoenix, the Celtics
improved to 4-0 this season in games without Kevin Garnett and 13-2 in
games that Garnett has had to sit out since KG has arrived in Boston
last season. Take the Celtics in here!
Regular Play on Boston Celtics (-1,5)
CLICK HERE to get my NBA Picks!
Good Luck! 