Talking Points Memo

I just posted a piece on what to look for in tonight's historic match up over at Beatbots.

Here are some talking points that might not be absolutely beaten like a dead horse by announcers tonight:

What the absence of Kendrick Perkins does for the Lakers
Can Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom take advantage of Rasheed Wallace's limited movement? My guess is yes, yes, yes, and very much so. If the Lakers go inside consistently, this game could be over before the half.

Lamar Odom or Bizarre Odom
Dwyer says it better and with more words, but Lamar Odom simply has to show up tonight at his all-star level best.

Rondo's Availability on Offense
Rondo failed the Celtics in Game 6 partially because the Lakers know he doesn't have a perimeter game. If Rondo gets involved in pick and rolls and pick and pops or even hangs out on the low post after his initial pass, the Lakers simply have to pay attention to him, which makes life much easier for Ray Allen and Paul Pierce (and keeps Kevin Garnett where he should be - near the basket). Watch for Rondo's movement and involvement in screens. If you see it, that's great for the Celtics.

Lakers Clog the Lane
In Game 6, the Lakers absolutely destroyed the Celtics with their defense. Anyone in green who entered the lane found hands reaching in and grabbing the ball. Fisher from Garnett. Everyone from Tony Allen. This worked in part because the Lakers could slough off on Rajon Rondo and/or Tony Allen. If Rondo gets involved, it's tougher.

Benches need improvement
The benches have to play like it's the last game of the season. Why? Because it is. Big Baby needs a double-double for the Celtics. Tony Allen needs to suffocate Kobe. Farmar needs a repeat of Game 6. Shannon Brown can dunk all he wants, but tonight, he's going to have to use his gray matter.

Ray Allen needs to show up
He's done it before, even in this series, but the Celtics struggle mightily when this member of the Big Three doesn't play well. In the conflated id-ego-superego, mind-body-soul mixed triumverate spread across the Big Four, Allen shares the duties of the mind with Rondo but also holds the role of superego. He is the savvy veteran with control and he absolutely cannot disappear tonight. Keep an eye out for a few offensive rebounds from Ray. If he has a couple, this will be a real game rather than another rout by the Lakers.