Paul Pierce and the streaking Boston Celtics (3-3) host the division rival New Jersey Nets (1-5) in search of their fourth straight win and third in a row at home at 7:30 p.m. EDT on Wednesday night at TD Garden in Boston, MA (TV/Radio: CSNNE/WEEI).
Boston and New Jersey met four times last season, with the Celtics winning three of the four games. The C's won the first game, 89-83, behind a 25-points, 11-rebound performance from Shaquille O'Neal on November 24. Boston won again on Dec. 5 by a score of 100-75 and also won the next meeting, 94-90, on Feb. 16. Boston lost in the season series finale, 88-79, on Mar. 14. During the season series, the Celtics averaged 90.5 points while the Nets averaged 84 points.
The Celtics won their last game against the Washington Wizards, 94-86, to complete the sweep in a back-to-back, home-and-home series. Ray Allen fought off a cold and scored 27 points on 6-of-7 shooting behind the arc to lead Boston, which shot 45.8 percent in the win. Paul Pierce had 21 points and eight rebounds and Brandon Bass scored 14 off the bench.
New Jersey fell flat against the Indiana Pacers, 108-94, on Monday night. Deron Williams scored 22 points and had eight assists and two steals for the Nets, who were held to 37.1 percent shooting from the floor and 25 percent shooting from three-point range. Rookie MarShon Brook scored 21 points off the bench, Sundiata Gaines had 12 points and Damion James finished with 10 points and five boards in the loss for the Nets.
Boston and New Jersey will play two more times following Wednesday night's contest.
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