Celtics vs. Bucks preview: Boston aims to even season series with Milwaukee

The Boston Celtics (13-12) will wrap up a brief home stand Friday night when they face off against the Milwaukee Bucks (13-11) from TD Garden in the the fourth, and final game, of their regular season series.

After dropping three-consecutive games on a woeful road trip, the Celtics got back on track, and over .500, with a win over the Anderson Varejao-less Cleveland Cavaliers Wednesday.

Paul Pierce had an age-defining game, turning back father time and dropping a season-high 40 points in the win.

Pierce, who is the team leader in points per game with 20 points, will be relied on once again to carry Boston's offensive load while Kevin Garnett continues to lead the Celtics defensive unit.

With the previous three contests between the Celtics and Bucks being close contests– a combined point differential of 18– the Celtics will surely need more than Pierce's consistent scoring and Garnett's individual defensive efforts to get past Milwaukee.

The Bucks hold a fierce pair of guards in Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings, combining for 36 points per game. With Avery Bradley still out, and not expected back in the lineup until January, Boston will be forced to match the duo with veterans Rajon Rondo and Jason Terry.

Jennings and Ellis are listed as day-to-day, but are expected to play in the contest.

Celtics head coach will keep his altered lineup from Wednesday night, substituting Jason Collins at center, moving Garnett down to power forward and delegating Brandon Bass to the bench.

After splitting the first two games and losing the third, the Celtics will aim to even the season series and extend their home win streak of six games.

Friday night's game tips off at 7:30 pm ET.

For more Boston Celtics coverage, check out our team blog, Celtics Blog.