ASK IRA: Is Joel Anthony an answer against Garnett?

Q: I think Joel Anthony is ready to cover Garnett for extended minutes. Put Damp on Big Baby and Perkins. — Eric. A: The problem with playing Anthony against the Celtics, and particularly against Garnett, is that it then allows Garnett to freelance defensively as a one-man zone due to Anthony’s lack of offensive prowess. And there is no way Erick Dampier can cover Davis, nor would he ever be asked to handle that assignment. The only assignment Dampier can handle for now against Boston is Perkins, although he could also help down the road against either of the O’Neals. Q: What are the odds of the Celtics losing consecutive games at home? Not only do they currently own the second best home record in the Eastern Conference, but they have yet to drop two in a row at home this season. — Martin. A: The odds right now might be as good as any, with Boston severely depleted by injury. To be fair, just as the Heat have downplayed their first two losses to the Celtics e...