Game Preview - Maine at Texas - March 30, 2024

Game details:                          

Matchup: Maine Celtics (20-13) at Texas Legends (18-15) 

Location: Comerica Center; Frisco, Texas    

Tipoff: 8:30 PM EST   

Streaming: Tubi 

It’s all come down to this. Heading into tonight’s regular season finale against the Texas Legends, the Maine Celtics sit in second place in the Eastern Conference standings. 

The goal is simple for Maine; win, and not only is a home playoff game secured, but also a first-round bye. With a loss, there are a myriad of potential outcomes that hinge on the results of games played by fellow East playoff contenders – including remaining in second place, but the Celtics could also fall as low as fifth if things don’t play out in their favor. 

Tonight marks the first meeting between Maine and Texas since Nov. 24, 2018, a 105-101 home victory for the Legends. 

Breaking down the Legends: 

Back in 2020-21, the Celtics produced a record number of Call-Ups in a single-season with six – Legend guard Theo Pinson being one of them. Pinson signed a Two-Way contract with the Dallas Mavericks in 21-22, earned a guaranteed deal for the 2022-23 season, and has been playing with Dallas’ G League affiliate this year. In his sixth pro season, the former Maine Celtic averages 15.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 7.6 assists. Former Boston Celtic Justin Jackson, who has also spent time with the Mavericks, is Texas’ second-leading scorer at 19.6 points per game. 

The Legends offense is carried by Jordan Walker, an undrafted rookie posting 21.5 points and 4.8 assists per game. The UAB product shoots 41.6% on 9.5 3-point attempts, the eighth-highest percentage among players taking at least seven threes per game. Fellow rookie Olivier-Maxence Prosper, the 24^th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, averages 17.9 points and 7.8 rebounds in 23 appearances on assignment with the Legends. 

Keys to the game: 

Joe Wieskamp revenge game: The Celtics acquired Wieskamp from Texas back in mid-February, and he’s been on fire ever since, putting up 16.8 points on 53.8% shooting (44.9% from deep) in the month of March. Tonight is a prime opportunity to put a cherry on top of a strong close to the season since the change of scenery. 

Shooters shoot: The Legends may lead the league in 3-point percentage heading into the season finale, but Maine ranks higher in threes attempted per game. The Celtics have plenty of shooters capable of catching fire in an instant. One hot streak could be all they need to earn the win.