Get the eggnog ready

[lapdoggy <lapdoggy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

  Someone gave me a bottle of Hennessy XO for Christmas. Cognac, like
Gin, just doesn't do it for me. I guess I'm still too young to enjoy
those flavors, I've tried believe me. Maybe I'm not quite bitter
enough. Anyhow my point was that I'll try throwing some of that XO in
the eggnog. The C's are getting at least 6 points right now. Could go
higher if the books can trick everyone into thinking that the Nets are
actually going to win this game:)
Celtics vs. Nets
By Dean Myers	 



The Boston Celtics (17-10 ATS) and New Jersey Nets (17-10 ATS) battle
it out for first place atop the Eastern Conference's Atlantic Division
on Christmas day.

The Celtics' top duo of Antoine Walker and Paul Pierce have been key
contributors to Bostons resurgence this year.

Boston has rolled to a solid 7-4 ATS record overall on the road this
year and has padding the bankroll while going 4-2 ATS in their last six
games overall.

The Celts have rolled over divisional opponents this season, going 7-3
ATS in the last 10 matchups to earn cash for their supporters. In
conference play, the Celtics have been just as impressive this season,
as they've gone 14-7 ATS in their last 21 games to earn some cash at
the ticket window.

With his team lacking consistency in recent games, Celtics coach Jim
O'Brien was asked about his teams upcoming practice plans. ''Name it.
There's nothing that we're not going to focus on, " O'Brien said on
Sunday.

"We're going back to training camp like we always do after we've had a
long stretch where we haven't practiced. We have to go back to the
basics of what we think makes our basketball team a potential Eastern
Conference contender.''

The 'under' has gone 3-1 in Boston's last four games overall to sweeten
the bankroll.  Boston have been having trouble hitting the twine
consistently this season as they currently rank 24th in the NBA while
shooting 41.9 percent from the field.

The high-flying Nets have been hot of late as they've gone 4-1 ATS in
their last five games overall heading into Monday nights action. They
are also a solid 5-2 ATS in their last seven home games.

The Nets have received solid contributions from the bench this season,
including the stellar play of Anthony Johnson, who has stepped up with
an injured veteran Chris Childs out of action.

"I'm getting extended minutes and I'm playing alongside J-Kidd,"
Johnson said this week. "He always makes you look good, and at the same
time, I'm able to take the tough defensive assignment and let those
guys rest, and take the ball-handling duties so (Kidd) and (Harris) can
just cross halfcourt and think about scoring."

New Jersey currently rank second in the NBA in defense as opponents are
shooting at a 41.6% rate from the field.