Fourth Podcast is Here at Last!

Topics covered this week include the opening fixtures in the Round of 16 of the World Cup Finals in South Africa. Doctor Bob and Clutch also touch on NBA free agency and beer. Cheers!

Fourth Podcast

Enjoy!

Third Contest Winner is........

Sarah Andrews.

Congratulations to our good friend Sarah for winning this weeks contest. Be sure to listen to this weeks podcast to find out who wins the weekly competition. Enjoy!

From left to right: Dr. Bob, Sarah, Clutch

SPECIAL EDITION: USA vs Algeria Instant Analysis

Check out the SPECIAL EDITION Podcast and let us know what you think. Big game coming up on Saturday for the Stars and Stripes. Look back on Friday for this weeks edition of Doctor Bob and Clutch. Cheers!

Special Edition USA vs Algeria Instant Analysis

It was champagne stuff out there from the USA yesterday. Definitely a day to remember. To commemorate the historic and heroic performance by the USA, Doctor Bob and Clutch have decided to do a special edition podcast. Have a listen and let us know what you think. Enjoy!

USA vs Algeria Squad Predictions

Ok readers. BIGGEST. GAME. EVER. Seriously. This is definitely the biggest game in USA soccer history. Bigger than the "shot heard 'round the world". Bigger than the USA vs Mexico game in the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup. Bigger than the Confederations Cup Final last summer. Believe it or not, USA soccer has come along way in the past 4 years. Take it from somebody who has monitored the situation, lets say, very closely. If the US fails to beat Algeria and in turn does not qualify for round of 16, the game here in the States will be set back another 4 years. Personally, I won't be able to stomach it. So, with that being said, lets get to the squad predictions:

Likely Lineup

-------------Altidore------------------------Buddle-------------

--------Dempsey------Edu--------Bradley------Donovan-------

----Bocanegra-----Onyewu----Demerit-----Cherundolo---

------------------------------Howard--------------------

Look for Buddle to fill in for the suspended Findley (which should have been done against the Slovenians) and Edu to replace Torres, given Edu's solid performance in the second half of the game vs Slovenia.

Alternate Lineup

----------------Altidore--------------Dempsey-------------

----Donovan----Clark-----Bradley----Holden/Beasley----

----Spector-----Bocanegra-----Demerit----Cherundolo---

-----------------------Howard-----------------------------

Some people feel Buddle isn't ready for a game of this magnitude and cite Dempsey's play in the second half of the Slovenia game as evidence of the change. I disagree on multiple accounts: 1) if Buddle isn't ready for a game like this, why would you, as a coach, even bring the guy? and 2) Dempsey will do work defensively on the wing which will be needed because Belhadj and the other winger will provide a handful. The defense has also been a hot topic over the past few days given Onyewu's dismal performance on Friday. I personally would like to see a change but I don't think it'll happen, especially given Bocanegra hasn't play centerback for the Stars and Stripes in months. Also, word on the street is Spector is in the worst form of his career, but surely it can't be any worse than a 100% Bornstein, right?? lol.

So yeah, that's what I see happening (scenario 1). However, I now have complete trust in Bob Bradley and I feel that any squad he puts out (with the exception of Bornstein) is capable of bringing home the vital 3 points. Again, THIS IS THE BIGGEST GAME IN USA SOCCER HISTORY! RISE UP!!! Let us know what you think with comments and be sure to look back on Thursday or Friday for a video with Dr. Bob and my reactions to the game. Seriously, a literal video haha... until then, DONT TREAD ON ME!

P.S. if anyone cannot tell, I'm super nervous about this game and would like to take this time to drop some knowledge on you guys. whenever im feeling like this, i just listen and watch this video and everything else just fades away......

-Clutch-

Third Podcast is here!!!

Topics discussed this week include Game 7 of the NBA Finals and the USA Men's National Team in the World Cup Finals. Let us know what you think through emails (direct to sethbyram@gmail.com) or comments on the blog or Facebook. Cheers!

Third Podcast

Here it is. Let us know what you think and Enjoy!

USA vs. Slovenia Player Ratings

Same old, same old. We give up an early goal (or two) and dig ourselves a huge hole. Again, had someone told me at half that the USA would come back and draw 2-2 then, yeah, I would have been thrilled. However, given the current circumstances pertaining to the "Phantom Call" as they're calling it, I have to think we should have won that game. I was extremely happy to see, in the second half, 11 lions and no lambs out there. Either way, here we go....

*There are two "Man of the Match" awards this week. Its a little unorthodox but nonetheless fitting. Enjoy*

Howard (6/10): Gave up two goals but besides that, not a whole lot to do. Did well to parry the few shots that did come in and was tidy in the air.

Cherundolo (6.5/10): One of the USMNT's best players on the day. Was solid defensively and ventured up well in the second half. Needs to again avoid a yellow card against Algeria.

Demerit (7.5/10): Had a rough first half, bud didn't we all? Defended like a lion and vastly improved in the second half and cleaned up where Gooch made a mess. And Gooch was messy.

Onyewu (4/10): Really poor performance. Too slow, physically and mentally. It will never happen, but I would welcome the addition of Goodson against Algeria.

Bocanegra (5/10): Still isn't the best defender, but it could be worse and we all know, it literally could be worse. He's a decent leader but needs to add more going forward. Dempsey can't go it alone.

Dempsey (6.0/10): Decent game, but not his best. Did more defensive work than most will probably give him credit for but just needs to impose himself on the game more throughout.

Bradley (7.5/10): I'm starting to come around on little Bradley. He was very active against the Slovenians and the finish was top rate. Again, needs to work on his distribution and thats about it.

Torres(4.5/10): Not a good outing for Torres. He wasn't as bad as some will have you believe, but he was trying to do too much on his own. But, he's still young and look for him to play a major role for the States in the years to come. Just don't look for him to play a major role in South Africa.

Donovan (7.5/10, Man of the Match [TIE]): Vintage Landycakes. Didn't have a great (or decent) first half but immediately took the game into his own hands and sent a bomb past the Slovenian GK following the break. Extremely active in the final interval and will need to emulate this performance on Wednesday.

Altidore (5.5/10): Drew some good fouls but besides that didn't show me enough in the first 70 minutes of action. Did well to knock down LD's ball for Bradley but needs to be more active. Altidore's dedication (specifically with respect to training) has come under some scrutiny in the past few months and I can't help but see that showing through in his play. Simply put, he needs to man up.

Findley (4.5/10): Another sub-par performance for Findley. Unlucky to get the yellow card but didn't really perform. Lacks the quality to play the killer final ball. Will miss the last group game, but however this thing shakes out, I hope we see Findley in USMNT Camps for years to come because he DOES have potential. Look for Buddle to get the nod.

Substitutes

Edu (6/10): An improvement, however much it pains me. Added that urgency in play that we needed. He did give up possession quite a few times which will have to be remedied against the Algerians, but nonetheless, an improvement. Also clearly unlucky to not have "scored" the winner in the greatest comeback in USMNT history.

Feilhaber (5.5/10): Decent, needs to be better in possession and distribution if he wants to play a big role in South Africa, but overall he was decent.

Gomez (5.5/10): Saw limited time but did well, especially pulling the centerback away from the ball which Bradley finished.

Coach

Bob Bradley (7.5/10, Man of the Match [TIE]): I have to give kudos to Bob on this one. Not only did he make a ballsy move in starting Torres (which I encourage) but had the stones to make real moves in the second half. Replace a mid with a mid and a forward with a mid, moving Dempsey up top. Tactically sound. But the real move came around the 75th minute when he replaced Gooch with Gomez, going with 3 at the back and 3 up top. He realized what needed to be done and did it. I know it sounds strange, but a lot of coaches find that increasingly hard to do. Job well done.

WELL, that's about all I've got for you. Everyone needs to rise up for the Algeria game on Wednesday (8:30 am central time, ESPN). If we win, we are in. This IS the most important game in USMNT history and do not let anyone tell you otherwise. Look back shortly after the game on Wednesday for video footage of Mine and Dr. Bob's reactions to the game. COME ON YOU YANKS!!!

Second Contest Winner is...

Our good friend Daniel Saliba.

He managed to email in before anyone else to snag the free drink that was up for grabs. Here it is, enjoy! From Left to Right: Daniel Saliba, Clutch, Dr. Bob.

NBA Finals. A Game 7 Prediction

Tonight is game 7. One game. The finals are no longer a series; it all comes down to this. I don't think we'll see any momentum carry over. The players will play their hearts out, and I'm expecting a hell of a game.

While its just one game, there are a few adjustments I see for the Celtics. Adjustments are needed not just because they lost game 6 and Perk is out, but also because you play differently in the last game of the NBA season. The most needed adjustment is they absolutely must get to the hoop, which is getting easier as Bynum continues to hurt. In game 2 they took way too many jumpers, took too long passing around the perimeter, settling for horrible shot clock ending shots. They didn't take it to the teeth of the Lakers defense. The Lakers had Bryant playing the passing lanes, seemingly miles from his man, Rondo. Bryant will play the same way tonight. Boston needs Rondo driving to the hoop, and they need to use him in some pick and rolls. If Rondo plays well, the Celtics play well. KG needs to attack Gasol like he did in the two wins in Boston. KG will see a lot of minutes tonight, and he will be amped. He'll get his shots, and disrupt on defense. The Celtics need to exploit the mismatch of Fisher on Allen, because Allen has been able to post Fisher all series. He will try to do the same tonight. If Boston can get good movement and take it to the rack, the passing lanes will open. Allen will be making his threes tonight as well, when the pressure is on he can be lights out. I expect Wallace to get the starting nod in place of Perk because he matches up much better with Gasol (and Davis is better off the bench). Offensively, this will be a benefit for the Celts because 'Sheed spaces the floor, and he's been here before. They will look to push off defensive stops, which has been crucial in their wins.

On defense, the Celtics will look to put T. Allen on Bryant as often as possible. With Perkins out, they may go small at times and keep T. Allen out there. Rasheed is going to have to, somehow, make Gasol's touches as far away from the basket as possible. I don't see this working very effectively, but its the best option for Boston. They will be active, and try to not let the role players develop any rhythm.

The Lakers need to protect the paint and force the Celtics into jumpshots. They will continue having Bryant operate as a free safety, try to disrupt Rondo's vision. They will try to not let Garnett get going, and Artest will continue to harass Pierce. If they can keep the Celtics out of the paint, they will win. On offense, the Lakers will continue to involve Gasol. I look for them to try to get KG into foul trouble, which would prove devastating to the Celtics. Their role players are much better at home, and must knock down their shots. Look for their shooters in the corners which is a shorter 3 point shot. Kobe will come out shooting, but should do so within the flow of the offense. When he takes the shots he should and distributes properly, the Lakers are nearly unbeatable. What he must avoid is trying to take over the game by scoring, when he does so the rest of the Lakers stand around on offense and defense.

The officials (hopefully) will let the players play, and I expect it will be a tight game. Coaches will shorten rotations, and starters will play big minutes. I think the Celtics do get to the hoop, and Ray Ray to shoot well from 3. Allen will get the easy buckets on Fisher, and KG will come out aggressively. Pierce will be Pierce; there is a reason his nickname is The Truth. With the Boston defense swarming like it did in Boston, Kobe will be less efficient than he was in game 6. Pau will get his tonight, but the role players won't shoot well enough to bail Kobe and Pau out (with the exception of Fisher).

I think the Celtics win, and they get another victory over the Lakers in this historic rivalry.

NBA Finals Games 5 and 6

Tonight is the first elimination game of the Finals, as Boston travels back to L.A for a game 6 and a possible game 7. The Celtics game 5 win marked the first time in this series that a team has won two straight, but whatever momentum they have, I suspect, will die off as they head back west. These teams have been evenly matched throughout, with Boston having only scored 2 more points than L.A. for the series. One of the teams was figured to win 2 of the 3 in Boston, and it makes sense that the home team did so. Give how well the Celtics shot (56%), and how much every Laker other than Kobe struggled (35% from the field), the Lakers should not have lost by only 6 points, but 16. The reason the game was so close was Boston's glut of turnovers ( 17, 7 by Rondo), and the disparity between the teams on the offensive glass, where the Lakers had twice as many boards. The turnovers were unusual for Rondo, who has a knack for passing effectively out of crazy spots, and while costly, are the price paid for pushing the tempo, which the Celtics must do. Boston's offense ran smoothly all night, with good looks spread around. Allen had his way with Fisher, Rondo hit some jumpers mixed with some sick layups, KG was 6/11 for 18 points, and Peirce thrived in isolation. The Celtics run isos better than any team in the league. Peirce get the ball in his spot, and his teammates clear out extremely well. Sometimes, Peirce and his defender will be the only 2 on their half of the court. When Boston is making shots, their brand of basketball is beautiful to watch. The trouble with having 4 go-to-guys is the offense can get choppy in a hurry, for example, Rondo's abilities do not lend themselves to Peirce in iso, but last night they played like a team in sync with one another. They did work.

The Lakers (other than Kobe) struggled to score throughout the game. After Kobe's 38, the only other Laker who scored in double figures was Gasol (12 points, 5/12 shooting). Other than some fine work on the offensive glass, where he had 7 rebounds, Gasol was quiet on offense. He was only 4 of 8 at the rim , and he only took 3 of the long jumpers we saw him hit with regularity in the first few games. The length displayed in those games has been negated by Boston in the last 2. To be sure, a main reason for that is Bynum's injury. Bynum had only 6 points and no defensive rebounds in game 5, sorely lacking lateral quickness and the ability to be in the right spot defensively or offensively. Boston was 12/16 at the rim because the Lakers didn't have the forceful presence they needed. In comparison, the Lakers only shot 8/17 at the goal. The Laker big men were the one distinct advantage for the Lakers over the Celtics, and if the 7-footers don't play better tonight, the team in green will be hanging its 18th banner. For their bigs to play better, the Lakers have to make crisp passes and use the player movement crucial to the triangle offense. They assisted on 39% of the baskets while the Celtics assisted on 53%. The Lakers also must shoot better, particularly Fisher and Artest (combined 4/18 from the field in Game 5). After the first game, the Lakers have not been getting near as many easy baskets or attempts because they have missed the threes the Celtics begged them to take. The Celtics have forced someone other than Kobe to beat them, and Fisher and Artest have not stepped up in the last 2 games from the perimeter. From the bench, Odom has failed to step up as well. Some nights, he hasn't even shown up. If Bynum is going to be hampered by his knee, Odom will have to play better for the Lakers to have a chance. Defensively, the bigs have to be in a spot to alter shots. Kobe had their only block in game 5, after they had so many in the beginning of the series. I tend not to criticize effort, because who is not trying hard at this point of the playoffs, but the Celtics played like the more desperate team. The one Laker not at fault was Bryant. He scored 23 consecutive points, at one point had as many points as the rest of his team, grabbed a loose ball after Fisher somehow won a jump with KG, and almost got a rebound off a free-throw miss in the final minutes.

I expect the Lakers to win tonight to send the series to a game 7. The Laker roll players play better at home, and after a game 5 where the refs let the two teams play, I think the officiating will be reminiscent of the first two games of the series, which benefits the Lakers' style of play. When the refs allow play to get chippy, the advantage swings in favor of the Celtics. As a basketball fan without a rooting interest, I would love to see a game 7; we haven't seen one in the finals since 2005. There is a lot at stake for the Lakers tonight. The championship, obviously, is the task at hand and most important, but also Kobe's legacy, Jackson's future, and a chance to threepete are all on the line tonight. The Lakers will play like it.

Enjoy

Dr. Bob

I used data from Hoopdata.com for the report. Go check it out, they have some good stuff.

USA vs England Player Ratings

If you would have told me before the match that the USA would tie England I probably would have been thrilled but having watched the match, I can't help but want more. I didn't think we played well enough to win but neither did the English so a draw was probably a fitting result. Either way, I want to win. So lets get on with it...

Howard (8.5/10, Man of the Match): Tough as nails, brilliant all around. Not much more to say.

Cherundolo (6.5/10): Gave Milner problems early on and did well to get up in the attack. Made a brilliant tackle on Wright-Phillips late on that was a potential game saver.

Demerit (7.5/10): Had Rooney in his pocket for most of the game. Having watched all of Rooney's games in the past 12 months, few men have done a better job.

Onyewu (6.0/10): Did well considering he hasn't played 90 minutes in 8 months. Got sucked out of position on occasions, especially on Gerrard's goal and Heskey's breakaway, but did okay overall.

Bocanegra (5.5/10): Did just enough. Was getting cut to ribbons by Lennon and Johnson, thank your lucky stars neither of them have any end product.

Dempsey (6.0/10): Performed better defensively than offensively, which is surprising. Took a chance on the goal, which I applaud, and got lucky.

Bradley (6.0/10): I'm usually not a fan of Bradley but he had an exceptional defensive game. If he could manage to add a good distribution aspect to his game, he truly could be a world class central midfielder.

Clark (4.0/10): Not a good showing. Failed to track Gerrard on England's goal and his distribution is shambolic. Look for Torres to get the nod against the Slovenians.

Donovan (5.5/10): Needs to perform better if the States are to have a good tournament. Did well in possession but lacked that quality in the final third of the pitch.

Altidore (6.0/10): Showed real strength in shrugging off Carragher but needs to be more active.

Findley (4.5/10): Didn't do enough to merit getting the start. His speed wasn't a real factor today and still lacks quality in front of goal. Look for Buddle to get the start on Friday.

Substitutes

Buddle (5/10): Showed some enthusiasm but didn't really have enough time to impress.

Holden (N/A): Was brought on to add some defense on the wings. Nothing more.

Be sure to look back throughout the week for further analysis and updates pertaining to the World Cup. Until then...

First Contest Winner is.....

JOHN JANSEN!!!

Our good friend John Jansen managed to email in before anyone else last week to snag a free drink, compliments of Clutch, at Speakeasy in downtown Birmingham. Congrats John and hope everyone enjoys! (From Left to Right: Dr. Bob, Clutch, John)

SECOND PODCAST FINALLY HERE!!

The second podcast is finally here! In this episode, we discuss topics such as the NBA Finals Game 4, NCAA Football Conference Realignment and the upcoming World Cup. Have a listen and let us know what you think. One more thing, WE ARE UP ON ITUNES!!! Check it out and let us know what you think

yours

Clutch

Podcast #2 from 6/10/10

Here it is folks, have a listen and let us know what you think with comments or emails.

Inaugural Podcast 6/4/10

Hello Everyone and welcome to the Doctor Bob and Clutch weekly podcast. Here it is for all to enjoy, so have a listen and let us know what you think with comments or emails. You can comment right here on the blog or you can send us an email at sethbyram@gmail.com. If you have any questions, feel free to ask and we will definitely discuss these with you either personally or on the podcast. Enjoy!

Yours,

Clutch

Game 3- What to Look For

Game 2 was a great game, and entertaining as it was, we saw some unusual things. It was a surprise that the Celtics won while Paul Pierce and KG were absent on offense. Kobe Bryant getting five fouls so quickly (on some absolutely ridiculous calls) was a surprise as well. I never would've imagined the Lakers would lose if they got 21 from Kobe and so much production from Gasol and Bynum. There are a few things that the Lakers can change to give themselves a better chance in game 3, but the main adjustment is that Artest/Odom/Fisher have to shoot better. Kobe was taken out of his rhythm with the foul trouble, and the combo mentioned shot so poorly (4 for 21, 1 3 pointer)that not having Kobe at his best was a fatal blow. Also, the Lakers started the game with crisp passing and ball movement that tapered off for most of the rest of the game. If they move the ball better, working inside to out, they will make more of the perimeter shots. Making those shots, combined with continued stellar frontcourt play and more minutes for Kobe, and the Lakers will be fine on offense.

Defensively, they have to find a way to stay with Ray Allen and cover Fisher's inability to defend him. Kobe is much better at working his way around screens, but the Lakers can't leave Kobe on Allen the whole game. He will wear down, and Rondo will torch the Lakers again. Vujacic may see some time on him, but the biggest thing will be working as a team. They need to force him to use multiple screens to get free, fight through those screens, and step up on him. I would start Kobe on Allen, to keep him from getting going early. The Lakers also need to rebound better. They were outrebounded by a Celtics team that struggles in that department, which is difficult to do for a team that blocked 15 shots. The main culprit was Rondo, who was the leading rebounder in the game. Rondo is often left open on the perimeter (because the Lakers are begging him to take jumpers), so there is no one with him to block him out. The Lakers need to always know where he is, and put a body on him when in rebounding position.

For the Celtics, I expect Pierce to have a better game. He played stellar defense in game 2, but offensively, he was deferential to Allen (which probably was a smart move). I expect to see him have a scoring mentality tonight. The Celtics need to continue to push the ball up the court before the length of the Lakers length gets set. I would like to see Rasheed on the court more, he and Baby each had 18 minutes and 7 boards, but Baby needed 8 more shots to score one more point. On defense, they need to use Pierce and Tony Allen on Kobe as much as possible. Kobe struggles some against T. Allen's tenacity and Pierce's size. He lights up with Ray Ray on him. Rasheed's length should help inside, as well. As for KG, I think he will play better tonight, but I'm not betting on it.

This series is pretty evenly matched, but the team that wins tonight may have the upper hand. Since moving to the 2-3-2 format for the finals, the team that won game 3, after the series was split going in, is 10-0.

Enjoy

Dr. Bob

USA vs. Australia Player Ratings

Alright, so the US Mens National Team just completed their final warm up in the build up to the 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa. The game ended 3-1 in favor of USMNT and, all around, it was a good, if not great, display by the Yanks. Here is my analysis for this particular friendly expressed through player ratings:

Howard (5.5/10): Not a whole lot to do, maybe could have been a little quicker on Cahill's goal but realistically had no chance.

Cherundolo (5.5/10): Did well to get up the flank however caught out of position on a few occasions. Looks like a lock for the England opener.

Goodson (5/10): Shaky at times however good in the air. Didn't necessarily cause fear in the back but didn't exactly exemplify confidence either.

Demerit (5/10): Passes were sloppy all game and if he plays like that against England, I'm pretty sure Mr. Rooney will have a field day. Did look much better in the second half paired with Gooch.

Bocanegra (6/10): Solid showing, didn't venture up the left flank much. It sure is nice not having to cringe everytime an opposing player runs at our leftback.

Donovan (6/10): Anonymous in the first half, but came to life in the second. Had a couple of menacing runs and did well to pick out Buddle's run for Dempsey's disallowed goal. Also did a great job of seeing Gomez's run late on and having the know-how to put the ball in a dangerous spot.

Bradley (5.5/10): Not terrible, but needs to improve. Still struggles to kick the ball with his left foot, also gets caught out of position frequently.

Clark (4.5/10): Not so good. Looked ok early on but soon started making errant passes and failed to track back when he needed to. Look for Edu or Torres to get the nod in the England match.

Dempsey (6.5/10): One of the USMNT's best players on the day. Pushed forward, was always a threat and drew numerous fouls. Unlucky to have the goal disallowed. If he can translate this performance to the England game, we should be in good shape.

Findley (6/10): Ultra-active throughout and his speed played a big role. Needs to work on finishing, seriously. Unlucky on a couple of occasions, but should get the nod against the Three Lions.

Buddle (8.5/10, Man of the Match): Easily the USMNT's best player on the day. Made great runs and was clinical on the finish. I feel alot better about the Altidore ankle sprain however I still look for Jozy to get the start.

Substitutes

Hahneman (7/10): Particularly shaky on crosses however he made up for it with a couple of brilliant reactions saves. It looks like Hahneman has dethroned Guzan as the USMNT number 2.

Bornstein (5/10): Had a couple of decent tackles but essentially had no positional sense or direction out there. I'd be surprised (and livid) if Bornstein sees the pitch in South Africa. He's just too much of a liability.

Onyewu (5.5/10): Made some good challenges but still looks a little slow. Let's hope Rooney and Co. don't notice.

Beasley (5/10): Didn't do much at all. I look for Beasley to see limited time in SA, especially with Holden edging towards being fully match fit.

Gomez (7.5/10): Only saw about 8 minutes but made the most of it. Look for Gomez to come off the bench in SA and bang in a few goals.

So thats about all I have for you now, but be sure to look back on Friday for a break down of the South Africa vs Mexico match as well as the Uruguay vs France match. Until then.....

Yours,

Clutch

Game 2 Adjustments

The biggest adjustment for the Lakers will be rocking their Sunday white unis, the best in the business. The Celtics are the ones who need to make adjustments after the Lakers dominated game one. Without some major changes, the Celtics will be going home down 2-0, needing to win two of three at home to send the series back to L.A. The most needed adjustment will be an active, focused Kevin Garnett. In game one, he missed shots, didn’t rebound well, and was thoroughly outplayed by Gasol. The Celtics need a better KG in game 2. Also, Ray Allen has to stay on the court. Somebody has to help Pierce carry the offense, and that somebody needs to be Allen. The Celtics need his outside shooting to space the floor for their bigs and Pierce, and to open up lanes for Rondo. With the Lakers able to collapse on Rondo in game one, he was forced to pass when he got to the hoop. He must be able to create easy shots at the basket for himself and others. The Celtics didn’t get those shots in game one, and they need to in game 2. Another way to create easy baskets is to use the fast break. Rondo is extremely fast in the open court, and Pierce and Allen are excellent in the secondary break. They need to play under control, but somehow create and convert easy looks. Also, when Kobe is out of the game, the Celtics must take advantage of the Lakers bench. Considered a significant disadvantage heading into the series, the Lakers’ 7-10 players played well in game one. If the Celtics can’t take advantage when the Lakers’ subs are in, it will be a long series for the Celtics. On defense, KG has to keep Gasol from getting position for his post moves, and Perk and Sheed need to grab boards and neutralize Bynum. I expect to see more Rasheed and less Big Baby because Baby lacks the length to play up to par against the Lakers. Kobe will get his, but they can’t allow Fisher and Artest to get open looks. Also, the Celtics should notice by now that Michael Finley is way to slow to keep up with Farmar or Brown. The Celtics can win this game, but they will definitely need to make some significant adjustments to do so. If they lose this one, they are in TROUBLE. Beating the Lakers 4 out of 5 games is a very tall order, something I don’t think they will be able to do.

Game starts at 7 central tonight on ABC. We'll see if the Celts can tie the series up.

Enjoy

Dr. Bob