Celtics-Cavaliers Preview
BOSTON (CBS) - No, it is not the flashy matchup it was a year ago.
The Cleveland Cavaliers come in to Boston Tuesday night with the worst record in the NBA and a 17-game losing streak.
Think they miss LeBron James just a little?
Even though the Cavaliers are just 8-36 this season does not mean the Celtics are going to take them lightly. The Cavaliers did beat the Celtics 95-87 October 27th in Cleveland.
"We've had a terrific season. But in that terrific season we've had some bad loses," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said at Monday's practice. "More lessons learned, and we got to keep teaching them."
Besides the loss to the Cavaliers, the Celtics have also dropped games to the Toronto Raptors, Detroit Pistons (a game Kevin Garnett left with an injury) and most recently Saturday night against the Washington Wizards. The three teams are a combined 47-games under .500.
"I don't know if we overlooked, I don't think our team does that," Rivers said. "I just think we come out and assume wins. Sometimes they don't happen. You have to go out and earn them."
The Celtics also have a three game West coast trip looming, and a rash of injuries to deal with.
Center Shaquille O'Neal will miss his second straight game with a hip inury, and Marquis Daniels status is uncertain after missing Monday's practice to attend to a family matter.
"You can see the type of team we are when we're fresh," Celtics captain Paul Pierce told WBZ NewRadio 1030's Tom Cuddy on Monday. "Hopefully we can get healthy and the guys that are out there can stay healthy and continue to ride this train."
Pierce and Ray Allen are the only two Celtics to start all 43 games this season.
Allen will continue his chase of NBA history Tuesday, as he looks to surpass Reggie Miller as the all-time leader for three-pointers made. Allen trails Miller by 23, a number he should surpass by the end of the season.
Doc Rivers Talks About Ray Allen's Run At NBA History
Allen is shooting a career high 45-percent of his shots beyond the arc, despite hitting just four of his last 20 attempts.
