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Ellis-less Warriors host Celtics

Mar 14, 2012 - 2:55 PM (Sports Network) - Golden State will return home for the first time since trading away star guard Monta Ellis on Wednesday, when it squares off with a Boston Celtics team on a season-long eight-game road trip.

The Warriors completed a blockbuster before Tuesday's game in Sacramento, sending Ellis, along with young power forward Ekpe Udoh, and injured center Kwame Brown to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Andrew Bogut and former Warrior Stephen Jackson.

"I kind of figured something bad was going to happen today," said Ellis after hearing the news. "I was prepared for it. But I'm thankful that I had the opportunity to do what I do for the seven years I had here."

The shorthanded Warriors then went out and finished with six players in double figures en route to topping the Kings, 115-89, at Power Balance Pavilion on Tuesday.

Golden State, which was also without the services of Stephen Curry because of a sprained right ankle, got 17 points from David Lee, Nate Robinson and Brandon Rush.

Charles Jenkins chipped in 15 points, while Dorell Wright and Klay Thompson netted 14 apiece to give the Warriors their third straight victory.

"I'm awfully proud of these guys because it was an emotionally draining day for us," said Warriors head coach Mark Jackson. "We lost three guys that we are attached to, and it hurts. This is a business, but it hurts."

The Celtics, meanwhile, started their lengthy trek in LA with back-to-back games against the Lakers and Clippers.

After dropping a tough one to the Lakers on Sunday Boston rebounded to top the Clip-show, 94-85, on Monday behind Paul Pierce's 25 points.

Kevin Garnett added 21 points and eight rebounds for the Celtics, who are just 6-11 on the road this season and will also visit Sacramento, Denver, Atlanta, Milwaukee and Philadelphia before returning to Beantown. Ray Allen tallied 15 points and Rajon Rondo donated 12 points and 10 assists.

Allen, however, twisted his right ankle in the final minute of the game after slipping on a wet spot on the court. He limped off to the locker room, before returning to action for the final seconds and is listed as questionable for tonight.