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Garnett's absence wearing on Celtics

Feb 27, 2009 - 11:21 AM Indiana (25-35) at Boston (46-13) 7:30 p.m. EST

BOSTON (Ticker) -- The Boston Celtics may finally be feeling Kevin Garnett's absence.

After suffering their first loss without their emotional leader, the Celtics return home for a meeting with the Indiana Pacers.

Boston had little trouble claiming back-to-back wins after Garnett suffered a right knee injury that is expected to keep him sidelined for two-to-three weeks during a 90-85 setback to the Utah Jazz on Thursday.

It was a different story against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday as the Celtics closed a season-high, six-game road trip with a 4-2 record after dropping a 93-91 decision.

Zach Randolph and Marcus Camby dominated Boston's low-post trio of Kendrick Perkins, Glen Davis and Leon Powe.

Randolph had 30 points, including the deciding layup in the closing seconds, and 12 rebounds and Camby added 14 and 11 as Los Angeles outscored the Celtics, 53-22, in the paint.

Perkins, Davis and Powe combined for 20 points, 22 rebounds and 15 fouls, many of which came on the offensive end of the floor.

Despite playing without leading-scorer Danny Granger due to a torn tendon in his right foot, the Pacers have won three of their last four games, including a 104-99 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday.