BOSTONAs Courtney Lee watched video of the Toronto Raptors inside the Celtics locker room, he couldn't help but let out a yawn or two.
No, he's not bored with their play.
It's just that Lee, like the rest of the Celtics, are not accustomed to preparing for an actual game so early.
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Today's 12:30 tip-off against the Raptors is a bit of a rarity for the C's this season.
"Usually we're finishing up shoot-around, and guys are going through their game-day rituals. Some guys I know take a nap right about now," Lee told CSNNE.com. "So it'll definitely be different."
But that's no excuse for a slow start or a lackluster performance.
"You have to trick your mind," Lee said. "That's what you have to do."
Celtics coach Doc Rivers is actually a big fan of early games.
"I'm fine with them," Rivers said. "As a coach, I love them. Not because of the game, but it gives you a ton of time after the game to prepare the next game. But as a player, I never liked them. They just come too quick. And most players, are creatures of habit. And so it just takes you out of your routine."
For Jeff Green, playing a game seven or so hours earlier than usual is more a mental than physical adjustment.
"It's just something you have to do," Green said. "It reminds me a lot of college, actually. You just have to find a way, get yourself up early and get the job done."
For Green, he said he doesn't have a daily routine so the earlier start doesn't impact him that much.
"Each day is different," he said. "You approach it differently. Whichever way the air takes me, I'm floating."