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Celtics look to secure division against Jazz

Mar 14, 2008 - 1:20 PM Utah (43-23) at Boston (51-12) 7:30 pm EDT

BOSTON (Ticker) - The Boston Celtics can wrap up the Atlantic Division title on Friday with a win over the Utah Jazz.

The Celtics, owners of the league's second-worst record last year, are attempting to win their first division title since 2004-05. Boston will take a 10-game winning streak into the contest with Utah, which is 15-20 on the road.

"We are talking more than ever and we feel connected," Celtics' power forward Kevin Garnett said. "Any team can beat you in this league, but confidence-wise we are strong one to 12 and that is a rarity."

The last time Boston had a double-digit winning streak was a 14-game streak in the 1985-86 campaign, when the Celtics won the franchise's 16th and last NBA championship. Boston is 29-4 at home, winning its last 11 contests here.

The Jazz currently lead the Northwest Division by four games and are three games behind the Los Angeles Lakers in the race for the best record in the Western Conference.

Utah, coming off a 114-110 win at Milwaukee on Wednesday, has won six of its last seven games and is 17-8 against the East.