NBA Preview: Charlotte Bobcats take on the Boston Celtics in a bid to keep their playoff hopes alive
The Charlotte Bobcats are breathing their last chances to make it to the playoffs as they arrive at T.D. Garden for a crucial meeting against the mighty Boston Celtics on Friday night. Celtics have been a force to reckon with for
the North Carolina franchise in the recent years and will be looking forward to improve their 22-0 home court record against their Eastern Conference foes. On the other hand, Bobcats will be pushing hard to keep their hopes alive for the next round.
Charlotte however have faced a set back before the game as their leading scorer Stephen Jackson’s presence is doubtful due to the hamstring injury. Time is the only thing that really mends a sprained hamstring and the Bobcats are
left with none considering that the playoffs are just round the corner.
Their coach Paul Silas acknowledged that his big gun has been struggling to provide fireworks in the recent games and is averaging only 18.9 points. Bobcats were comprehensively crushed by the Indiana Pacers 111-88 on Wednesday
night as they lost the season series 4-0. Jackson was fighting with his injury throughout the night and landed only 11 points in 28:43 minutes of play.
The star guard said after the game, “I couldn't move or be the player I know I can be out there,"
Bobcats forward Boris Diaw also had an embarrassing night as failed to take a shot in more than 24 minutes of the play. Silas was very disappointed with his starter and stated, "I just told him in all my 40 years in the NBA, I've
never seen anyone do that -- not take one shot in 24 minutes," Silas said. "That's something that I've never, ever seen."
Charlotte Bobcats are standing at the 10th spot in the Eastern Conference with 28 victories and 42 defeats. In the last 10 game, the team has performed well below its winning percentage. They managed to win only two
games and were overshadowed eight times.
The team does not hold an impressive record off their home court as they only won 11 games out of 36 road meetings.
On the other Hand, Boston Celtics are having an exciting contest with the Chicago Bulls for the first spot in the East. The Celtics are currently holds the second place in the Conference with 50 wins and 20 defeats. The Celtics
carry a tremendous home record 29-7 record this season and beating them at home is never easy. The team has performed outstandingly throughout the season and they are one of the favourites to win the NBA Championship this season.
Although the C’s have struggled in their recent games, however with a bevy of talent and experience in their ranks, they don’t take much time to make a strong comeback. So when the two teams finally come face to face on the night,
the Bobcats will be the one who will have to play out of their skins.
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