Wildcats in the NBA recap: Rondo, Celtics look to hang to 4th spot in Eastern Conference playoffs

by Andrew Hardison

Rajon Rondo (Celtics)-13.5 PTS, 9.8 AST, 2.4 STL

Rondo finished March off with a bang, going for 16 points and 11 assists in a losing effort against the playoff bound Thunder. The former Kentucky point guard has done a tremendous job all season long, racking up 34 double-doubles as the Celtics head into the playoffs. Boston currently holds the No. 4 spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs and would play the upstart Milwaukee Bucks. Look for Rondo to finish the season strong and do everything possible to move up a spot.

Chuck Hayes (Rockets)-4.3 PTS, 5.5 REB, 0.5 BLK
Some are criticizing Hayes and his reliability on the boards others think he’s one of the hardest workers in the NBA. Whatever spin you put on it, Hayes has been struggling this year. Sure he’s never given the Rocket All-Star numbers, but that has never been his game either. The Rockets are 1-4 and can’t seem to do anything right, despite having guys like Aaron Brooks, Trevor Ariza, and Kevin Martin. Hayes finished the month of March off strong, scoring 5 points and grabbing 5.6 rebounds in Houston’s last five games. The Rockets aren’t making the playoffs so it will be interesting to see what happens with Hayes next year.

Keith Bogans (Spurs)-4.4 PTS, 1.2 AST, 35.6% 3P
Bogans has played plenty of minutes during the Spurs last five games, but hasn’t been producing. His best game came during a 102-97 victory over the Cavs when he scored eight points and grabbed two rebounds. He’s reliable and head coach Greg Popovich will count on him to be the ‘shut-down defender’ San Antonio once had in Bruce Bowen. His play will be critical to the Spurs success in the playoff crunch.

Jodie Meeks (Sixers)-3.7 PTS, 0.5 AST, 26.5% 3P
Meeks has been able to produce more because of increased playing time with the Sixers. He finished March averaging 4.3 points during Philly’s last five games. It will be interesting to see how the Sixers use Meeks next year; will they keep him or try and trade him? His best outing was during a 101-86 blowout over the Bucks when Meeks scored seven points and grabbed two rebounds. If Meeks gets playing time, he has the ability to make some things happen.

Tayshaun Prince (Pistons)-12.1 PTS, 5.1 REB, 3.2 AST
The Pistons might be even worse than the Nets, but Prince has been doing everything possible to get Detroit some wins. Currently on a five game losing streak, Prince and the Pistons look deflated with just a several games left to play. He had a stellar game in a losing effort against the lowly Nets, when Prince went for 27 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. What’s even more impressive is that those 27 points came on 13-of-18 shooting. The Pistons may stink, but Prince is pouring it on as the season winds down.

Jamaal Magloire (Heat)-2.2 PTS, 3.4 REB
The Heat continue to win—currently on a five game winning streak—as Magloire gets spot minutes in the process. He’s used more for his rebounding than offensive prowess, but it’s nice to see the former Kentucky big man get some minutes in the process.

Randolph Morris (Hawks)-2.3 PTS, 1.3 REB
Morris has yet to play in the Hawks last five games.

Kelenna Azubuike (Warriors)-injured

Nazr Mohammed (Bobcats)-injured

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