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Celtics and Nets battle in Beantown

Feb 16, 2011 - 4:10 PM (Sports Network) - The Boston Celtics will close out a three-game homestand tonight versus the Atlantic Division-rival New Jersey Nets from TD Garden.

Boston lost the opener of the residency to the two-time defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers, then evened the homestand with Sunday's 85-82 victory over the Miami Heat. Rajon Rondo registered a triple-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, while Kevin Garnett had 19 points and seven rebounds for the Celtics, who ended a two-game slide and won for the 11th time in 16 tries. Glen Davis had 16 points in a battle between Eastern Conference powers.

"It was obviously a huge win for us, with all the stuff we have going on," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. "You know, you think about the injuries...and to gut it out it's great."

Paul Pierce was battling hand and foot ailments to post just one point. Pierce was slated to undergo an MRI and is battling a bruise to his left foot. After tonight's home game, the Celtics will begin a four-game road trip out west against the Warriors, Nuggets, Clippers and Jazz.

The Celtics have been impressive at home, going 24-5 in Beantown this season.

New Jersey will commence a three-game road trip tonight against the Celtics, Spurs and Rockets, and is only 4-24 outside Newark, NJ this season. The Nets recently dropped a 102-85 decision at home versus San Antonio on Monday, as Travis Outlaw and Brook Lopez scored 11 points apiece in a losing cause.

Devin Harris and Jordan Farmar each tallied 10 points for the Nets, losers in two straight and five of their last seven games.

"It's tough playing from behind, especially against a team that good," said Farmar, who also handed out seven assists.

Boston has won the first two matchups with New Jersey this season and is 14-1 in the past 15 meetings between the two clubs. The Nets have lost six of seven and seven of their last 11 contests in Boston.