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Preview: Clippers at Celtics

Tonight's Matchup
	vs.
12-33	Record	23-22
96.7	PPG	96.8
99.9	PPGA	97.3
44.5	FG%	46.3
45.8	Opp. FG%	45.2
40.6	Rebounds	41.3
19.6	Assists	21.1
16.0	Turnovers	14.8
6.8	Steals	6.8
5.0	Blocks	5.0
1-0	Season Series	1-0

Friday, February 2, 2007
TD Banknorth Garden, 7:30 PM
TV: Fox Sports Net New England
RADIO: WRKO 680 AM

The Celtics play host to the Los Angeles Clippers tonight at the Garden, and they'll be looking to kick off February with a notch in the win column tonight. The C's will also be seeking retribution for a rare blowout loss; Boston took a 100-77 drubbing in Los Angeles on December 27.

The Celtics got some good news yesterday when Paul Pierce proclaimed that "the cavalry is coming" at the opening of the Paul Pierce Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery at Tufts New England Medical Center Thursday afternoon.

While there's still no official timetable on his return, it's encouraging that Pierce is starting to talk about his return to the court. Pierce has missed the last 21 games with a stress reaction in his left foot.

The Los Angeles Clippers tip-off a seven-game road trip tonight when they visit the Celtics, and they are playing solid ball right now, having won six of their last seven games, including Wednesday night's 110-98 decision over the Bulls at home. That said, the Clippers haven't been a strong road team this season; they've won just six of their 20 road contests this year.

Much like Kobe Bryant, Elton Brand is another star who's scaled back his scoring average but has become a much more efficient offensive player. Brand is shooting a career-best 56% from the field, which is good for sixth in the league and up from his career 50% mark.

Brand had a strong game against the Bulls Wednesday, scoring 26 points, grabbing nine rebounds and blocking five shots.