The last time the Celtics played the Utah Jazz, the key to the game was Rajon Rondo's matchup with star point guard Deron Williams. Rondo put Williams in foul trouble early, the C's built a lead, and they never looked back.
This time, they won't have to worry about Williams anymore.
The Jazz traded their franchise player to New Jersey last week, so instead of seeing D-Will, Rondo will match up with former Net point guard Devin Harris. Harris is a similar player — he's quick, he's aggressive, and he can flat-out score. Rondo will have to be a sharp on-ball defender, denying easy shots.
The other matchup to watch will be the C's new center, Nenad Krstic, against the C's old center, Al Jefferson. Which one can step up and play a little defense?
Here's the lineup card for C's-Jazz:
Celtics
Rajon Rondo, PG
Ray Allen, SG
Paul Pierce, SF
Kevin Garnett, PF
Nenad Krstic, C
Jazz
Devin Harris, PG
Raja Bell, SG
Andrei Kirilenko, SF
Paul Millsap, PF
Al Jefferson, C
