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Celtics look to bounce back vs. Nets

Mar 4, 2009 - 11:21 AM Boston (47-14) at New Jersey (27-33) 7:30 p.m. EST

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Ticker) -- After getting beaten down the stretch in a home game on Sunday, the Boston Celtics are hoping better fortune awaits on the road.

The Celtics will look to maintain their dominance over division opponents when they face the New Jersey Nets on Wednesday.

Boston clearly missed Kevin Garnett, who is out indefinitely with a knee injury, against the Detroit Pistons as they suffered through a series of defensive breakdowns while allowing 24 points in the final seven minutes en route to a 105-95 loss.

Stephon Marbury - playing in his second game since being signed - did not score in 12 minutes and committed four fouls and two turnovers.

The Celtics, who own an Eastern Conference-best 22-9 record on the road, have been strong against Atlantic Division foes, going 12-1.

The Nets have been a particularly easy mark, losing the first two meetings by an average of 26 points.

New Jersey is coming off a 99-95 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday. Brook Lopez collected 24 points and 12 rebounds to lead six scorers in double figures.