Written by Austin Kent, HoopsAddict.com
BOSTON CELTICS
Recap Rewind: The Boston Celtics are in last place in the worst division in basketball. With 12 games remaining in the season that’s not going to change, especially considering the Celts are 11 games removed from squeezing in at the eighth spot. This comes as no surprise to anybody who saw the Celts blow an 18 point lead in the fourth quarter of Wednesday night’s tilt with the Charlotte Bobcats. The Celtics were then abruptly owned by the NBA leading Dallas Mavericks. Boston fans did have something to cheer for Monday night when the Celtics stole one from the Atlantic Division leading Toronto Raptors.
Notable News: After watching Doc Rivers continue to sit his starting line up as his reserves forfeited an 18 point loss, and eventually the game, suspicions arose as to whether or not he was looking to tank the game in order to increase his team’s chances in the NBA’s draft lottery. The Charlotte Bobcats at 26-45 are among the handful of candidates, including the Celtics, with a legit shot at taking home either Greg Oden or Kevin Durant. Rivers addressed the concern in his post-game conference and admirably clarified that his intentions were to develop his team’s sense of pride… Second year forward Ryan Gomes returned to the lineup after sitting out 7 games with an ankle injury.
Fast Forward: The Celtics are back in action Wednesday night against an Orlando Magic team hungry for the East’s final playoff spot. Expect the Magic to come out swinging. On Friday night the Celts head to Philly to take on an improving 76ers squad and then finish off the week against LeBron James and the Cavs.