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Pierce, Celtics go for seventh straight win against Rockets

Jan 2, 2008 - 2:15 PM Houston (15-16) at Boston (26-3) 7:30 pm EST

BOSTON (Ticker) -- The Boston Celtics are returning home after an impressive four-game road trip.

The Celtics go for their seventh straight win when they host the Houston Rockets on Wednesday.

Boston has been rolling this season and is coming off a decisive 110-91 victory at the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. Paul Pierce averaged 27.5 points on the four-game trip, including a season-high 37 points against the Seattle SuperSonics. The Celtics also won at Sacramento and Utah during the West coast swing last week.

Boston has been getting it done with defense, allowing a league-best 41 percent opponents field goal percentage and the Celtics have not allowed 100 points in their last 12 games.

The Rockets are coming off a 112-95 loss against the Golden State Warriors on Monday and are still without their superstar shooting guard.

Tracy McGrady, who leads the team in scoring at 22.8 points per game, has been out for the past four games with tendinitis in his left knee. Houston is 2-4 without the seven-time All-Star this season and just 4-13 without him over the past two seasons.

Houston and Boston split the two meetings last season, with each team winning on the road.