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Already down Rajon Rondo due to suspension and with Jermaine O'Neal (sprained left wrist) and Chris Wilcox (right adductor strain) nursing day-to-day injuries, the Celtics might be forced to use a 13th variation of their starting lineup Wednesday night during the pre-All-Star finale against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
A glance at the 12 other lineups used this season, with their record (with help from numbers maintained by Celtics' media relations):
| Games | Forward | Forward | Center | Guard | Guard | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Pavlovic | Garnett | O’Neal | Allen | Rondo | 0-3 |
| 12 | Pierce | Garnett | O’Neal | Allen | Rondo | 6-6 |
| 1 | Pierce | Garnett | Stiemsma | Allen | Rondo | 1-0 |
| 1 | Pierce | Garnett | O’Neal | Dooling | Rondo | 1-0 |
| 2 | Pierce | Garnett | Bass | Allen | Rondo | 0-2 |
| 4 | Pierce | Garnett | O’Neal | Allen | Bradley | 3-1 |
| 2 | Pierce | Bass | Garnett | Pietrus | Bradley | 2-0 |
| 1 | Pierce | Garnet | O’Neal | Pavlovic | Bradley | 1-0 |
| 1 | Pierce | Bass | Garnett | Allen | Bradley | 0-1 |
| 1 | Pierce | Wilcox | Garnett | Allen | Rondo | 1-0 |
| 1 | Pierce | Wilcox | O’Neal | Allen | Rondo | 0-2 |
| 1 | Pierce | Wilcox | O’Neal | Allen | Bradley | 0-1 |
What's startling to me is that we are only 31 games in and we've seen this many lineups for a team with four definite starters. The only spot in question may be the center spot, but it has remained clear that Jermaine O'Neal is Doc's starter when healthy. From my standpoint for a completely healthy roster, I'd like to see Chris Wilcox start games with the Big-4. Having someone to run with Rondo is a necessity and this lineup would also give the second unit a bonafide defending big man in O'Neal. They haven't lost with this starting lineup yet (1-0 baby!) although it was against the D-Roseless Bulls. Wilcox needs a playmaker on the floor with him to maximize his efficiency getting to the rim and Rondo fits this bill perfectly. Why not give it a shot Doc? What do you guys think?
0 recs | 15 comments
Bradley and Stiemr both with winning records as starters--
—looks good to me!
What I think is important is GS is in with KG and AB is in with PP.
clover - February 22, 2012 via mobile
interesting
that our primary starting line-up has been used the most by far and is only .500. tough to have a rosy outlook for the season and playoffs with that figure.
slamtheking - February 22, 2012
this is not interesting
and provides no insights whatsoever
Tommypointz - February 22, 2012
most salient point
is that “primary” lineup 0nly 6-6
also that “primary” lineup only started 12 of 31 games.
bradley 6-3 also significant.
lefty12 - February 22, 2012
Zero wins without with either Garnett or Pierce out (0-4). Zero losses with Allen out (4-0). And 6-3 with Rondo out., for a good measure.
Draw your own conclusions.
kozlodoev - February 22, 2012
Drawn conclusions.
I conclude that drawn conclusions as to value of any players from these numbers is useless, as they are just numbers. They don’t take at all into consideration the opponent, opponents injuries, back to backs or any of the litany of factors that could have had an impact on the game.
ewp - February 22, 2012
This Sounds Crazy But...
The old guys (Garnett, Allen, Pierce, and JO) have been very successful with Avery Bradley. Why not start Avery? The Big Three can cover his offensive deficiencies and he puts pressure on their starting point guard. Then, have Rondo run with our more athletic bench (Pietrus, Bass, Wilcox, and Dooling). This puts Rajon in more of a creative role vs. a facilitator. There might be some concerns about his ego, but I think the kid can take it. Really, it’s more a compliment than an insult.
wjsy - February 22, 2012
Starting line up should be
Bradley
Allen
Pierce
Garnett
Steisma
Bench
Pietrus
Moore
Daniels
JJJ
Dooling
Pavlovic
So basically 1 big man coming off the bench with 2 small forwards, 2 shooting guards, and 1 point guard.
ZM15 - February 22, 2012
Uh...
Where’s Rondo?
wjsy - February 22, 2012
I thinks it's for tonight's game only :)
European NBA fan - February 22, 2012
Suspended
ZM15 - February 22, 2012
IMO when I see those stats...
…the team operates better with a mix of young and old in starting and bench lineups. Bradley and/or Stiemsma gives that extra energy needed in the starting five plus their mistakes are not so noticeable when surrounded by a few vets. The right mixture of youth and experience. The best way to go for this team rather than the geriatric starting five Doc keeps insisting to throw out there on a regular basis.
yakyakyak - February 22, 2012
Post Blow-Up lineup
Bradley
Pierce
Pietrus
Bass
Stiemsma
almost a guarantee by April 1st
lefty12 - February 22, 2012
I think more likely PP and RA go and KG stays.
clover - February 22, 2012 via mobile
And Rondo?
Somehow I’ll still be surprised if that happens.
clover - February 22, 2012 via mobile
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