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Celtics aim to bounce back vs. Wizards

Apr 8, 2011 - 3:06 PM (Sports Network) - It appears Chicago will win the Eastern Conference with a four-game lead over both Boston and Miami with four games remaining in the regular season, leaving the Celtics and Heat battling for the No. 2 spot.

Boston looks to keep pace for the second seed in the conference when it hosts the Washington Wizards tonight at TD Garden, and is coming off a tough 97-81 loss to the Bulls last night in the Windy City. The Atlantic Division-champion Celtics shot a paltry 38.4 percent and were led by Paul Pierce's 15 points. Kevin Garnett had 10 points and 10 boards for the Celtics, losers in five of the previous nine games.

"There's no coincidence the Bulls have the best record in the East," said Celtics head coach Doc Rivers. "They've earned it, and they've earned it with their heart, they've earned it with the way they play."

Jeff Green was the only other double-digit scorer for Boston with 10 points. The Celtics were no match for Bulls star and MVP candidate Derrick Rose, who poured in 30 points, while Luol Deng scored 23 in a winning effort.

The Celtics should have an easy time with the lowly Wizards in town and are a solid 31-8 as the host this season. They have won two in a row in Beantown.

Shaquille O'Neal missed his second straight game with a strained right calf muscle and has played just once since Feb. 1. Boston no longer has Kendrick Perkins inside and is counting on the veteran O'Neal to make an impact down low during the postseason.

Washington is putting the finishing touches on what has been a downtrodden season, and will try to get back into the win column Friday night.

The Wizards had won three in a row and four of five games before dropping a 136-112 decision at Indiana on Wednesday. Jordan Crawford and Andray Blatche scored 29 and 23 points, respectively, for the Wizards, who committed 17 turnovers and fell to a miserable 3-36 as the guest.

"Energy caught up to us," said Wizards coach Flip Saunders. "I was worried before the game. Guys didn't seem to have that pep in their step."

Rookie John Wall netted 19 points in defeat and also collected nine rebounds, four assists and six turnovers. Blatche is averaging 27.5 points and 14.0 rebounds in his last four games, while Crawford is posting 25.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists in his previous six contests.

Wall is averaging 18.6 points, 7.8 assists and 5.2 rebounds since the All-Star break (23 games).

The 2010-11 series between Washington and Boston is tied at a game apiece. These two teams will meet again April 11 in D.C. The Celtics have won seven of the past nine matchups between the two clubs.