Tonight's matchup against the Magic is the most important game of the playoffs for the Celtics. Losing this game will not guarantee an exit and an early start for the Summer vacations, but it will be a huge blow for the Celtics' title hopes. Honestly, I can't see Celtics winning a game in Orlando with the way both teams are playing. However, if we see some improvements in this game, then the second Eastern Conference finalist will still be up for grabs (justifiably assuming that Cavs will see off the Hawks).

The new Big Three (Pierce, Allen, Rondo)should step up and be consistent throughout the series and not just in the odd game. Better still, if at least two of them show what they are capable of in a game, then I can even go so far and declare the series to be in the bag. The real Bigs  (Perkins, Davis, Moore, and Scalabrine) have to avoid getting in foul trouble and force Dwight Howard to have just a good game - let's face it, the Superman is going to be awesome no matter what. And finally Marbury and House have to rediscover the chemistry that produced some scintillating performances along the stretch during the regular season.

I'm sure Doc's observations would be a lot more to the point and I trust him to field a team that is ravenous for victory. And victory should be ours. Otherwise, we're heading for a very early exit.

The countdown has become for what has proven to be one of the most memorable playoff series in the history of the NBA. For fans of pure basketball, this past two weeks or so has been nothing short of spectacular - multiple overtimes, game-tying last second three-pointers, three players that needed stitches whilst the games are going on, flagrant fouls, two Huskies trying to outdo one another, flagrant fouls galore, and a great duel between two of the best point guards in the league.

Yes, it has really been that amazing. Whatever the outcome of tonight, or how that outcome will come about, it will not be an anti-climax. I don't think it will be a disappointment if the Game 7 doesn't have at least two overtimes and one last-minute clutch shot. What happened so far justifies the excitement this series has generated.

It's less than an hour until gametime. Today there have been rumours about a possible KG appearance on the teamsheets. It would certainly be a welcome sight for the Boston faithful, but would also add a new dimension - as if it was needed in the first place - to the matchup.

For those with an emotional stake in the game - Yours Truly included - it will be another rollercoaster ride of emotions. I predict the Celtics will win simply because of their superiority on paper. However, this series proved that what appears on paper doesn't materialize in real life. Neither team derseve to go home early. But one will. I hope that team wears green - and not just on St. Patrick's Day!