Bobcats at Celtics
THE STORY: With the New England Patriots’ season coming to a disappointing end on Sunday, the Boston Celtics have an opportunity to lift the spirits of the region. Those who have been focused on football and are just now turning their attention back to the Celtics will see a team that has won eight of its last nine games. Rajon Rondo is back in the lineup and Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett are showing flashes of their former All-Star form. Almost every player has looked like an All-Star against the Charlotte Bobcats this season. Owners of the worst record in the NBA, the Bobcats visit Boston on Tuesday carrying an 11-game losing streak. Boston, which has held opponents to 81.2 points over the last nine games, should have no problem shutting down a Charlotte team that has put up 83.0 points during its slide.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, SportSouth (Hornets), CS New England (Celtics)
ABOUT THE BOBCATS (3-21): Charlotte coach Paul Silas has juggled his lineup constantly because of injury, and just because he is trying to find some combination that might be able to compete. His latest concoction features Reggie Williams as the starting swingman and rookie Bismack Biyombo at center. Another rookie, Kemba Walker, is starting at point guard and is having trouble shouldering the load. Walker has shot less than 50 percent from the floor in each of the last 11 games.
ABOUT THE CELTICS (13-10): Pierce has been the biggest difference, averaging 23.4 points over the last nine games and handling an increased distribution role with Rondo out. The veteran forward is nine points behind Larry Bird in second place on Boston’s all-time scoring list. Rondo got rid of the brace on his right wrist Sunday and handed out 14 assists in his second game back. The Celtics have two left on a five-game homestand, ending with a visit from the rival Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Pierce was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week on Monday and has collected at least 15 points and five assists in 10 straight games.
2. Charlotte took the final two meetings last season after losing the previous six in the series.
3. Boston forward Brandon Bass (knee) missed Sunday’s game and is day-to-day.