With the Saints' Super Bowl victory in the books and attention turned to hoops for the time being, the Celtics pay a visit to New Orleans, a city still basking in the glory of Super Sunday. On the basketball court, however, the Big Easy is in big trouble. The Hornets have lost four of their first five games in February, and they now play host to a Celtics team that's nearing 100 percent health and ready to gear up for a strong second half. The C's need this one to head into the All-Star break on a good note.
When and Where
Wednesday, Feb. 10, 8 p.m. ET
New Orleans Arena, New Orleans, La.
Records
Celtics (32-17, first place in Atlantic Division, fourth place in Eastern Conference)
Hornets (27-25, fifth place in Southwest Division, 10th place in Western Conference)
Head to Head
The Celtics have won four straight meetings with the Hornets, a streak dating back to March 22, 2008. Their last win came in the first week of this season — the C's rode a 10-for-14 shooting night from Paul Pierce and an all-around dominating defensive effort in the fourth quarter to a 97-87 win in Boston. This is the second and final meeting between these two teams this season.
Skinny
This is a battle of two teams that are desperate to save face in their respective playoff races. The Celtics, who began the season as the hottest team in the East, are now struggling to stay in the conference's top four. Meanwhile, the Hornets will be lucky to make the postseason at all in the Western Conference. With Chris Paul out for all of February at the very least, the Hornets are going to have to get creative to make up some ground. They currently sit 10th in the crowded West rat race, and a strong February is vital. Even without CP3 on the floor.
Starting Lineups
Celtics
Point guard: Rajon Rondo
Shooting guard: Ray Allen
Small forward: Paul Pierce
Power forward: Kevin Garnett
Center: Kendrick Perkins
Hornets
Point guard: Darren Collison
Shooting guard: Morris Peterson
Small forward: Peja Stojakovic
Power forward: David West
Center: Emeka Okafor
Stat Sheet
Celtics
The Celtics are 10-6 on the road this season.
They have allowed 93.7 points per game. That's the lowest figure in the NBA, just ahead of the Cavaliers (94.0).
Paul Pierce is shooting a career-best 45.6 percent from 3-point range.
Ray Allen has now made 24 of his last 26 free-throw attempts.
Rajon Rondo had three steals on Sunday against Orlando, giving him a league-leading 118 for the season.
Kevin Garnett has averaged 19.1 points and 11.1 rebounds against the Hornets in his career.
Kendrick Perkins has 94 blocks this season, putting him on pace to shatter his career high of 150.
Hornets
The Hornets are 16-8 this season at home.
They have 2,261 total rebounds as a team, ranking fifth in the NBA behind the Pacers, Warriors, Lakers and Suns.
Peja Stojakovic has made 114 3s, fourth-most in the NBA.
Darren Collison has 58 assists in his last six games.
David West has averaged 14.0 points and 5.2 rebounds against the Celtics in his career.
Emeka Okafor is averaging 9.4 rebounds per game this season. This could be his first season ever finishing with a single-digit average.
Morris Peterson is shooting 29.4 percent from 3-point range this season, a career-low.
Black and Blue
Celtics
Paul Pierce returned to the Celtics on Sunday from a mid-foot sprain, but he is still sore and questionable to stay on the floor for Wednesday night.
Hornets
Chris Paul underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his left knee last Thursday. He is now expected to miss 4-6 weeks.
Marcus Thornton missed Monday's game against Orlando with a bruised lower back.
Ike Diogu underwent left knee surgery in December and is out for the season.
This Date in Celtics History
In 1991, future Hall of Famers Kevin McHale and Robert Parish play in the final All-Star Game of their careers, with Celtics head coach Chris Ford manning the sidelines. The East prevails 116-114, setting a conference All-Star team record by scoring 45 points in the second quarter.
Overheard
"Offensively, the only thing I told them is that if the ball gets stuck once, you’re getting subbed. That’s just clear. We’re not playing any games here. If the ball’s not moving, you’re coming out."
–Doc Rivers, in Wednesday's Boston Herald
Press Box
Celtics
Doc Rivers sends a message.
Exploring a potential Ray Allen trade.
Is it time to make a deal?
Hornets
The Hornets got burned by Vince Carter.
How to build a contender in New Orleans.
Morris Peterson rejoins the starting five.
NBA
Make it 12 straight for LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Heat keep pushing for Amare Stoudemire.
Kevin Durant is playing like an MVP.
Outlook
It's been a tumultuous first half for the Celtics, who have battled injuries and chemistry issues to remain in the hunt for a solid Eastern Conference finish this season. They've had their ups and downs, and it sure would be nice to close out the half with a win, heading into the break on a high note. They can take these Hornets, no problem — it's a different team without the speedy Chris Paul running the floor, an easier team to contain. Smart, defensive-minded basketball should win this game for the Celtics, giving them a nice smooth ride into Dallas with a win under their belts.
