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Nets hope to avoid playoff elimination vs. Celtics

Apr 7, 2009 - 9:51 PM By Nicolino DiBenedetto Stats Writer

New Jersey (32-45) at Boston (58-19) 7:30 p.m. EDT

BOSTON (AP) -- The New Jersey Nets are clinging to very faint playoff hopes - which could end Wednesday night if they don't win and get some help.

The Nets try to remain alive in the postseason race and earn their first victory against the Boston Celtics in more than two years when the teams meet at TD Banknorth Garden.

New Jersey (32-45) is 11th in the Eastern Conference and trails Detroit by five games for the eighth and final playoff spot. Both clubs have five games remaining, so a Nets loss or a win by the Pistons at New York on Wednesday would eliminate New Jersey from contention for the second consecutive season.

The Nets kept their dim hopes alive Sunday as seven players scored in double figures in a 96-67 victory over playoff-bound Philadelphia. The balanced performance came a night after New Jersey fell 103-94 at Chicago to push it to the brink of elimination.

"We have to play all-out," swingman Vince Carter said. "There is no room for error. Losing that last game (to the Bulls) really shortened our margin for error. You can't say: 'Oh, this one got away from us.' Every one counts now regardless of who are playing."

Beating the Celtics (58-19) may prove to be a difficult task. The Nets have dropped the last eight meetings by an average of 14.6 points.

If New Jersey is going to defeat Boston for the first time since Feb. 9, 2007, it could use another strong performance from Carter.

Carter, second on the team with 20.8 points per game, shot 13-for-21 and finished with 34 points in the last meeting with the Celtics, a 115-111 loss March 4. However, he totaled 18 points in the three previous matchups.

Carter has also been inconsistent of late, scoring 15 points against the 76ers after going 2-for-10 for four points Saturday.

The Celtics have five games left and are second in the East, four games behind Cleveland and one-half ahead of Orlando.

Boston hopes point guard Rajon Rondo can overcome an ankle injury suffered during practice Monday after coach Doc Rivers gave the team the weekend off following Friday's 104-92 win over Atlanta.

"He just twisted his ankle, nothing bad, but instead of keeping him out on the floor, easier to take him off," Rivers said.

Rondo, who had 20 points and six assists against the Hawks, sprained his right ankle twice previously this season but has missed only two games.

With the injury to Rondo considered minor, Rivers is encouraged by the progress Kevin Garnett has made in his recovery from a sprained right knee. The star forward, however, is expected to miss three more games before returning at Philadelphia on Tuesday.

"I'm just really happy with what we see," Rivers said. "A week ago there was more concern. This week, less concern. He looks great, he's moving great. You can just tell the difference."

Garnett has missed four straight games and 17 of 21, giving Glen Davis a chance to start.

Davis is averaging 15.5 points and 8.3 rebounds over the last four contests. The second-year forward shot 7-for-10 and scored 19 points Friday.