One Last Push Out West

46-12 @ 14-43
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
10:30 pm ET
Staples Center (Los Angeles, CA)

After two and a half weeks of away-from-home battles, the Celtics will wrap up this west coast trip tonight at the Staples Center. Now, don't get too excited; this isn't round three vs. the Lakers. Instead, it'll be the first meeting with the often-forgotten LA club, the Clippers. You know, the franchise that produces a smile-and-head-shake reaction following the mere citation of its name.

This year is no different, as the Clips come into tonight's contest with the league's fourth-worst record (14-43) along with the least amount of home wins (7). To put it lightly, they have failed to live up to pre-season expectations, both internally and externally. To be fair, Mike Dunleavy's group has experienced a plethora of injuries to just about every key player in the lineup this season. Chris Kaman leads the way with 42 games missed, followed by ex-Celtic Ricky Davis (24), Zach Randolph (21), Baron Davis (14), and Marcus Camby (13).

Brian Scalabrine joins Tony Allen and Kevin Garnett on Boston's injured list, as he flew back home following the neck strain he attained in Monday night's win in Denver. Fortunately, newest-Celtic Mikki Moore has officially signed with the team and will be among the 11 Celtics in uniform tonight.

Projected Starters
G G F F C

Team Leaders
PPG: Paul Pierce (20.1)
RPG: Kevin Garnett (8.8)
APG: Rajon Rondo (8.4)
SPG: Rajon Rondo (2.0)
BPG: Kendrick Perkins (1.7)

Projected Starters
G G F F C

Team Leaders
PPG: Zach Randolph (22.1)
RPG: Marcus Camby (12.6)
APG: Baron Davis (8.0)
SPG: Baron Davis (1.8)
BPG: Marcus Camby (2.4)

Key Matchup

Injury Report
Kevin Garnett (posterior muscle strain – out)
Tony Allen (thumb surgery – out)
Brian Scalabrine (strained neck – out)
Chris Kaman (strained arch in left foot – out)
Al Thornton (sore right foot – doubtful)

Keys to Victory

• Control the Glass
• Limit Turnovers
• Bench Boost