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Celtics look to snap rare skid against Rockets

Jan 7, 2009 - 11:38 AM Houston (21-15) at Boston (29-7), 7:30 p.m. EST

BOSTON (Ticker) -- A return to TD Banknorth Garden could translate into a much-needed break for the reeling Boston Celtics.

Coming off a dismal road trip, the Celtics look to avoid their first three-game losing streak of the season when they host the Houston Rockets on Wednesday.

Boston has dropped five of its last seven games after winning a club-record 19 straight to complete the first 27-2 start in NBA history.

Since a 92-83 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on December 25, the Celtics have failed to win back-to-back games while losing five of six away from home.

Their most recent setback came on Tuesday, when they fell, 114-106, in overtime to the Charlotte Bobcats.

Houston also has had its fair share of problems lately.

With Tuesday's 104-96 setback against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Rockets have lost three straight games and six of their last eight.

Luis Scola scored 18 points and grabbed 17 rebounds against Philadelphia, but it was not enough to give the Rockets their first victory on their current five-game road trip (0-3).