For the third consecutive game, the Celtics have opted to play it safe with Rajon Rondo, giving their starting point guard the night off while he recovers from a strained hamstring. Nate Robinson will once again start in his place.
Robinson has averaged 19.0 points per game over his first two starts in a Celtics uniform, but he's drawn a daunting matchup for start No. 3. In New Jersey's Devin Harris, he'll be matched up with another young guard just like him — active, athletic, and always getting to the basket.
As expected, Robinson has brought a very different style to the point guard position than Rondo — a lot more shooting, and a lot less playmaking. Harris is a similar player, and he's having a stellar year so far. He's shooting 47.3 percent this season, his best clip in three-plus seasons with the Nets.
The matchup between the two scoring combo guards will be key. If Robinson can apply aggressive ball pressure on one end of the floor to disrupt the Nets, plus knock down a few shots on the other end, the Celtics should be in good shape.
Here's the expected lineup card for C's-Nets:
Celtics
Nate Robinson, PG
Ray Allen, SG
Paul Pierce, SF
Kevin Garnett, PF
Shaquille O'Neal, C
Nets
Devin Harris, PG
Anthony Morrow, SG
Travis Outlaw, SF
Kris Humphries, PF
Brook Lopez, C
