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Celtics, Bucks limp toward finish

Apr 4, 2007 - 4:13 PM Boston (23-50) at Milwaukee (25-48) 8:00 pm EDT

MILWAUKEE (Ticker) - The Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks are shedding stars as they close out disappointing seasons and try to avoid the worst record in the Eastern Conference when they meet Wednesday.

The Bucks have dropped seven straight games and are now just two games ahead of the Celtics for the worst record in the East. Boston has won both meetings this season.

Celtics forward Paul Pierce likely will not play in Wednesday's meeting with the Bucks, who also have a host of injuries.

The Bucks already have declared center Andrew Bogut and forward Charlie Villanueva out for the season and have watched star guard Michael Redd move in and out of the lineup over the past week with a sore left knee.

Boston has played surprisingly well lately, winning three of its last four games, including Sunday's 98-96 victory over Cleveland. Gerald Green scored 25 points and Al Jefferson added 24 and five blocks.

However, Jefferson is the latest Celtic hit by injury. The 22-year-old forward likely will not play against Milwaukee after banging his left knee against teammate Ryan Gomes in practice and aggravating an injury.