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Celtics hope to avoid franchise-record 14th straight loss

Feb 2, 2007 - 4:40 PM LA Clippers (23-22) at Boston (12-33) 7:30 pm EST

BOSTON (Ticker) -- The reeling Boston Celtics are on the verge of doing something they haven't done in their decorated history.

The Celtics hope to avoid a franchise-record 14th straight loss Friday when they host the Los Angeles Clippers.

Boston matched a club-record for most consecutive losses with Wednesday's 111-98 setback here to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Ryan Gomes scored 23 points and Gerald Green added 22 for the Celtics, who dropped 13 straight games for the third time in franchise history.

"It's starting to get to us," Green said. "We just can't break down. Right now we know there is nothing we can do. We are doing all we can. We've got to go out there and get a win. It's not going to be given to us."

The Celtics will be hard-pressed to avoid the dubious record Friday against the Clippers, who have won seven of their last eight contests.

Los Angeles hopes to carry some momentum from Wednesday's 110-98 victory over the Chicago Bulls.

Elton Brand scored 26 points for the Clippers, who climbed above the .500 mark for the first time since December 10.

Los Angeles has struggled away from the Staples Center, going just 6-14 on the road this season.

Boston has won three of the last four meetings against Los Angeles and would like to improve on its impressive 39-10 all-time series record here.