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Celtics look to bounce back vs. lowly Clippers

Feb 6, 2008 - 2:46 PM LA Clippers (15-30) at Boston (36-9) 7:30 pm EST

BOSTON (Ticker) - With Kevin Garnett in street clothes, the Boston Celtics have struggled on the defensive end of the floor.

The Celtics look to tighten up defensively Wednesday when they host the lowly Los Angeles Clippers.

Garnet, who has missed the past four games with a strained abdominal muscle, watched his team struggle in Tuesday's 114-113 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. It tied a season high in points allowed by Boston, which allowed Cleveland to shoot 51 percent (40-of-79).

Boston leads the league in scoring defense - allowing 88.2 points per game - and field goal percentage defense - allowing 41.9 percent shooting this season.

Celtics coach Doc Rivers insists that Garnett will not take the floor until he is 100 percent healthy. They are currently 2-2 in his absence.

The Clippers have lost 17 of their last 23 games and are buried in last place in the Pacific Division. Center Chris Kaman continues to be the team's lone bright spot, averaging 17.2 points and 13.8 rebounds.

Corey Maggette scored 19 points to lead the Clippers to a 103-94 victory over the New York Knicks on Monday.