LA Clippers (15-30) at Boston (36-9), 4:30 pm
BOSTON (Ticker) - With Kevin Garnett in street clothes, the Boston Celtics have struggled on the defensive end of the floor. The Celtics look to tighten up defensively Wednesday when they host the lowly Los Angeles Clippers. Garnet, who has missed the past four games with a strained abdominal muscle, watched his team struggle in Tuesday's 114-113 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. It tied a season high in points allowed by Boston, which allowed Cleveland to shoot 51 percent (40-of-79). Boston leads the league in scoring defense - allowing 88.2 points per game - and field goal percentage defense - allowing 41.9 percent shooting this season. Celtics coach Doc Rivers insists that Garnett will not take the floor until he is 100 percent healthy. They are currently 2-2 in his absence. The Clippers have lost 17 of their last 23 games and are buried in last place in the Pacific Division. Center Chris Kaman continues to be the team's lone bright spot, averaging 17.2 points and 13.8 rebounds. Corey Maggette scored 19 points to lead the Clippers to a 103-94 victory over the New York Knicks on Monday.
LA Lakers (31-16) at Atlanta (20-24), 4:00 pm
ATLANTA (Ticker) -- Pau Gasol attempts to build on an impressive debut for his new team Wednesday when the Los Angeles Lakers face the Atlanta Hawks. In his first game since being acquired Friday from the Memphis Grizzlies, Gasol collected 24 points and 12 rebounds in a 105-90 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Tuesday. With the win over New Jersey, Los Angeles improved to 3-1 on its season-high nine-game road trip that concludes February 24. The Hawks are aiming for their third win in as many games on their four-game homestand. Atlanta is 14-9 at Philips Arena. Josh Smith had 19 points, nine assists and nine blocks to lead the Hawks to a 96-91 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday.
Wednesday, February 6
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