Raps vs. Celtics - what to watch for?

by Newmarket Brian on Dec 15, 2011 5:42 AM EST

Your Obedient Servant and his family will be ~~wasting~~ spending Sunday afternoon at the ACC, for our first glimpse of Casey's Ballers. I'm going to be paying particular attention to the following matters:

(1) Has DeMar developed a 3-ball stroke? Unless he drastically improves last season's 5-for-52 performance from distance (which might be the worst stat of any kind for any NBA starter last season), we're sunk.

(2) Is Bargnani really going to emerge, Lazarus-like, and defend like he has a pulse? Will team defense look better under Dwane's tutelage?

(3) I like to watch the play away from the ball in the half-court set, as forwards establish inside position, guards dash through picks to get open, etc. Who is going to emerge as someone who can get open for a pick'n'pop, and can our PG get him the ball at the right second?

(4) Speaking of PG, is Bayless really ready to distribute the ball like a true post must? Is Jose so defensively challenged that he can't be on the floor anymore?

(5) I hope Coach Casey plays every guy with a uniform, as I want to see the new guys. I'm particularly interested to learn the answer to a question on everyone's mind: who, or what, is a Gary Forbes?

(6) Ed Davis has added some serious muscle to his frame, according to today's Globe. Will that help his game, in particular on the boards?

Please add any questions you may have as a comment. I'll add them to this list, and respond in my next post.

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Comments

its the first

preseason game after a very short preseason.

I’d say watching for anything is pointless this early. That is all stuff to watch for, but over the course of a season…

…. this first preseason game? I expect to see alot of ackwardness, turnovers and confusion

by Not so Friendly Stranger on Dec 15, 2011 12:41 PM EST reply actions

(7) What song will Matt and Jack be singing in the fourth quarter.

Can I get odds on ’Don’t Stop Believing" by Journey?

Formerly known as timboslice85

by Rebrand_the_Raps on Dec 15, 2011 7:30 PM EST reply actions

I’ll take that bet! Living on a Prayer!

by dhackett1565 on Dec 16, 2011 11:38 AM EST up reply actions

That's the hot favourite, for sure.

But I’m hoping they pick a new track for a new season.

Formerly known as timboslice85

by Rebrand_the_Raps on Dec 16, 2011 6:00 PM EST up reply actions

If KG Is Playing

Keep a close eye for any dirty play he perpetrates in the post and on rebounds. Garnott is getting old and I figure this season might have going to more of the questionable tactics especially on rebounding and defense.

As a head coach does Casey stand or sit? Is he vocal or does he just sit there silently.

Expect there could be a lot a fouls called. Pre-season for the refs too and they need to get into game form just like the players.

Check out to see if the Dance Pak has any new routines worth watching.

Will the intro show be different form last season?

Who will be in the center of circle during the intro?

How many points the Raptors give up in the paint and from beyond the arc?

Those are good things to look for.

by Buddahfan on Dec 16, 2011 4:17 PM EST reply actions