Celtics vs. Pacers preview: Boston looks to end losing streak Friday

It was clear Wednesday, in the Boston Celtics' loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, that Avery Bradley's return wouldn't fix everything that is wrong with the currently constructed team.

While there was some good, like Bradley's stout on-ball defense and backdoor cuts for an easy two points, there was also so much bad. The team defense didn't pick up like many expected them to and a hobbled Rajon Rondo means a slumping offense.

Rondo is still plagued by a hip pointer, which has left him struggling up and down the court over the past week. And Friday, they'll face off against the red-hot Indiana Pacers, who have won nine of their last 11 games, all without star forward, Danny Granger.

Granger hasn't seen the NBA floor this season, but that hasn't stopped the Pacers from surging to No. 4 in the Eastern Conference standings.

David West, who many will remember was near a deal with the Celtics before bolting to Indiana last offseason, is averaging a team-high 17 points per game, while Roy Hibbert is averaging eight rebounds a night for the Pacers.

As a team, Indiana is averaging 91 points a game, and allowing just 90 points per night. Their home record has carried them this season, while their road record of 8-10 continues to plague them.

Paul Pierce is leading the Celtics with 19 points per game, and Kevin Garnett is grabbing seven rebounds a night for Boston.

The Celtics, on the other hand, have lost four-consecutive games and will be looking to get back on track from the friendly confines of the TD Garden. Boston is allowing 97 points per game, while scored 95 points a night.

Boston is expected to start Jason Terry as they attempt to ease Bradley back into game shape.

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