Tomorrow afternoon the Celtics will look to add streaking to their list of holiday traditions. Facing a newly revamped Orlando Magic squad, Boston looks as though they will face one of their biggest challenges during the course of the current streak.
Orlando initially struggled after acquiring an almost entirely new starting lineup, but recently pulled it together, beating the San Antonio Spurs, who owned the best record in the NBA. Already one of the premier contenders in the Eastern Conference, Orlando added three key pieces to try and surround center, Dwight Howard, with sharpshooters in an attempt to dissuade teams from the temptation of double teaming him with every entry pass into the post.
The only criticism with this move is that the transaction depleted their very capable front court, leaving Dwight Howard as the only legitimate inside threat and low post defender. This was a rather puzzling strategy, as it seems that the one way to beat the top teams in the league (i.e. Boston, Miami, L.A. Lakers) is to have a mixture of big men to create favorable match ups on both ends of the court.
Regardless of the amount of big bodies being thrown around in this game, it will be one of the littlest guys who could make the biggest difference. Rajon Rondo has missed the last three games due to an ankle injury, and this will be a very difficult opponent to overcome without his presence on the court. Therefore, his availability will be critical in the outcome of this game.
Little Nate Robinson has done an adequate job filling in for the the super star point guard, but their styles of play are so drastically different, and they are a much better team with Rondo running the show. The streak is really incredible when considering all the injuries that Celtics have sustained over that period of time. JermaineO'neal has missed each of the 14 games, Shaquille O'neal has missed four games, Rajon Rondo has missed six, Delonte West has missed 12, and, of course, Kendric Perkins has yet to suit up this season at all.
From the stage of the Boston Pops to the basketball court, the Celtics have been orchestrating some beautiful play, so let's just hope that continues as they work through their bumps and bruises on this big Christmas day game. After all, this will be a good reminder that the calendar still reads "December" and the ultimate gift this year will not actually be unwrapped until June.
I must admit though, maybe it's just my overtly biased opinion, but a win on Christmas only seems appropriate for the guys dressed in green. Besides, Orlando has sparkles on their Jersey and no respectable man can lose to a guy whose covered in glitter!
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