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Nets play host to the Celtics

By Brian Fleurantin
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Two weeks away. Opening Night vs the Bulls on the 28th is getting closer and the Nets only have two more games to go in the preseason. They lost their last game, a 97-95 decision against the Philadelphia 76ers Saturday afternoon in Albany. After this, they get a few days off before playing the Sixers at Barclays on Sunday afternoon.

Making the trip into Brooklyn this evening will be the Boston Celtics. This is their first action in almost a week. They last played on the eighth, beating Real Madrid 111-96. Once this game wraps, they head home to play the Knicks tomorrow night.

Where to follow the game

Luckily for us, this game will be shown on the YES Network. Tip off is after 7:30. As Marv Albert might say,, YES!

Injuries

For a team looking to find some chemistry and have players adjust to new roles, it's a bit disheartening to see so many players dinged up. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson sprained his right ankle in Philly and his status isn't known as of this writing. Bojan Bogdanovic got hurt during international play during the summer, but has been progressing and might play tonight. Willie Reed and Thomas Robinson hope to be solid contributors coming off the bench and they hope to return to action tonight.

For Boston, don't expect to see Marcus Smart or Jonas Jerekbo here. They're both dealing with an illness and might get the night off. Their first round draft pick Terry Rozier has swelling in his left knee and won't be playing. Avery Bradley will miss this game so he can rest up. Evan Turner has been dealing with a strained knee, but he'll be out there.

Player to watch: Jared Sullinger

Sullinger started 49 games for Boston last year and was a key reserve coming off of the bench in the series vs the Cavaliers. The C's picked up former All Star David Lee from the Warriors over the summer in exchange for former Net Gerald Wallace (who later retired hasn't signed with a team since being released by the Sixers on September 26th. Correction made at 11:51 AM). The acquisition spells big trouble for Sullinger, as Lee fits coach Brad Stevens' plans a bit better. As noted on Celtics Blog:

Ultimately, Lee and Sullinger just see the floor differently.  Like Olynyk, Lee has always been point forward with a late growth spurt making him a big vs. a wing.  Sullinger, for better or for worse, is a classic forward, feasting on contact to create room to work rather than spacing the floor with his face up game.

Sullinger will face a great test in Brook Lopez tonight. Lopez has played well in the preseason slate, averaging 17 points in the three game schedule. Everything close to the basket has been automatic for the big fella, and as he winds the preseason down, his percentages away from the basket should pick up. We might even see him take a three pointer or two. He's pledged to add that to his arsenal and if he does and shoots at a respectable clip, it will dramatically improve the Nets' offense.

From the Vault

The Celtics' will open the season at home vs. the 76ers on the 28th, and with that in mind, head on back to 2012 and watch current Celtic Evan Turner take on the Pierce-Garnett-Rondo-Allen Celtics.

More reading: CelticsBlog

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