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Celtics aim to get back on track vs. struggling Clippers

Dec 27, 2006 - 4:34 PM Boston (10-16) at LA Clippers (11-16) 10:30 pm EST

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- The Boston Celtics hope to end their skid against a team struggling more than they are.

In the second contest of a five-game road trip, the Celtics on Wednesday visit the slumping Los Angeles Clippers.

Despite trailing first-place Toronto by only one game in the woeful Atlantic Division, Boston has dropped three straight games since a season-high five-game winning streak.

Tony Allen scored 18 points and Al Jefferson contributed 16 points and 15 rebounds Tuesday in Boston's 116-105 loss at Denver.

Celtics guard Delonte West left Tuesday's contest after suffering a back injury, and his status is uncertain for Wednesday's game.

To make matters worse, the Celtics are already playing without their top two scorers - Paul Pierce (foot) and Wally Szczerbiak (ankle).

Elton Brand scored 21 points and Corey Maggette had 19 in the Clippers' 102-92 loss to Utah on Tuesday. The disappointing Clippers have lost seven of their last eight games.

The teams split their two meetings last season with the road team winning both times. However, Boston has won its road game with the Clippers in five of the last six seasons.