For Boston, Character Check

Since Boston lost Game Four at Cleveland, to tie that series at 2-2, those wagering and writing about NBA basketball, started to wonder what the Celtics would do if they lost a home game in the playoffs. After a sixth straight defeat two games later and Boston dropping last outing, we will now look for the players have to be asking themselves. As of right now, over 70 percent of those betting are taking Detroit on the money line to win Game Three.

When asked about being down in a series for the first time, Ray Allen responded, “I’m excited about it,” offered Allen. “We just put ourselves in a position where we’ve put our backs up against the wall.” Those words may be true, but they ring more hallow then yelling at the top of your lungs in a deserted part of the Grand Canyon. Most sportsbooks have Boston as five-point underdogs, with total at 175 and those in the know are very weary of backing a club that has yet to cover six in a row in their green uniforms.

What was so apparent in Game two, were the same characteristics the Celtics had shown only on the road. When Detroit showed a more aggressive approach and was not going to bend, Boston cried “uncle” and did not rejoin like a team that won the most games during the regular season. What was especially disheartening, for a team that is 1-4 ATS after not covering, is the Big Three, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce, all scored in the between 24-26 points and they still lost. That means the other eight players in the game scored 22 points in 124 minutes of combined action. Collectively they were 6-21 from the field. What the last game proved is six players, hustling with intensity, can beat three on the road.

Detroit comes home feeling shrived of opening contest and looking to improve on 39-8 and 30-17 ATS record at the Palace of Auburn Hills. The Pistons are San Antonio-light, without Tim Duncan. You may have more talent than them, but put Detroit in a corner, you better have soaked you face in saltwater, because they are going to dish out punishment. The Pistons will come in 5-1 ATS as playoff favorites.

What does Boston need to do to recapture series advantage, the following. Take the orange round sphere and take it as close as you can to the orange round cylinder that is 10 feet up from the ground. Kevin Garnett, despite scoring, is playing like he is trying to set the Guinness Book of Records for most seven-foot shots taken by a player seven feet tall. He and his teammates need to take it to rim, draw fouls and be more assertive. The Celtics were painfully slow in jumping out on pick and pops, leaving the Pistons with far too many looks. For those of us that wondered if Rajon Rondo was a capable enough point guard to lead his team to NBA championship, the answer is – it depends. When Rondo plays within his limitations, while still be productive, Boston is fine. When he starts making high risk-low reward plays on both sides of the court, he’s a negative. If Rondo plays like the latter, the Celtics fall 2-10 ATS as an underdog.

Detroit has to continue what they just did in last encounter. On offense, run motion offense, with Rip Hamilton a whirling dervish, coming off screens for great looks or in position to create easy hoops for teammates. Don’t rely on isolation plays; Boston is too good defensively, which will curtail offensive output. Let Boston have all the post-up plays they want, they have not shown the ability to take advantage of Pistons double teams and their pass have easily been defendable with simple rotations. At home, get into the Celtics psyche early, based on postseason road efforts, they are mentally vulnerable. Detroit hits the floor fresh with a day off, posting 30-12 ATS mark.

The most enthralling element of Game Three is heart. Does Boston overcome increasingly larger demons to play with desire and intelligence to regain control of the East Finals or does Detroit take step two and show killer instinct that makes other teams cower? The answer will play out on ABC starting at 8:30 Eastern.