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Celtics prepare for postseason with tuneup vs. Nets

Apr 16, 2008 - 1:50 PM New Jersey (34-47) at Boston (65-16) 7:30 pm EDT

BOSTON (Ticker) - The Boston Celtics' "Big Three" will get one final tuneup before the postseason as they host the New Jersey Nets on Wednesday in the regular-season finale for both teams.

Boston, which clinched home-court throughout the playoffs, will likely play Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce sparingly as it prepares for its first postseason appearance since 2002-03.

The Celtics host the Atlanta Hawks in the first round this weekend.

Garnett, Allen and Pierce all sat out of Monday's 99-93 victory over the hapless New York Knicks. Their absence has helped the Celtics' reserves get ready for the postseason.

Sam Cassell led the way with 22 points on Monday, while James Posey added 15 and Glen Davis chipped in with 13.

While the Celtics are preparing for a long playoff run, the Nets are preparing for the offseason. New Jersey will miss the playoffs for the first time in six seasons.

The Nets, who have lost all three meetings this season, are coming off a 112-108 overtime victory over Charlotte on Tuesday.