Blog

At 9-27, the Bobcats are the worst team in the league.

However, there is no such thing as a guaranteed win in professional sports.

Charlotte is a young athletic team who has given some of the Eastern Conferences top teams fits, including a 91-81 victory at Chicago.

The first key for Boston is to contest shots. The Bobcats shoot just 45 percent from the field and if shots aren’t falling, it will likely lead to lapses on the defensive end and on the boards.

The second key is playing with energy. Many view this game as a potential “trap game.” While it is certainly a possibility, having two days off, in which they didn’t have to travel and playing at home, expect the Celtics to be locked in.

Doc Rivers is one of the best at exploiting mismatches and tonight he will have plenty of options to choose from. Getting everyone involved in the offense will help to keep the effort level high.

If the team is active and communicating on defense, they can impose their will, and perhaps force a young Charlotte team to submit.

The final key is not playing down to the Bobcats level. It is an athletic team and if the game gets sloppy and they are allowed to get out and run the floor, Boston will be in for more than they bargained for tonight.