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**narek** · 03-15-2008, 05:17 AM

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Teams: Milwaukee Bucks (23-42) vs. Boston Celtics (51-13).

When: 7:30 tonight.

Where: Bradley Center.

Broadcasts: TV - FSN Wisconsin cable. Radio - AM-620.

About the Celtics: Coach Doc Rivers' team is practicing less in an effort to stay fresh for the playoff grind ahead. But it hasn't hurt the team's performance. Boston had a 10-game winning streak before losing Friday night at home against Utah. A true revelation for the Celtics has been the improved play of point guard Rajon Rondo, who has benefited greatly with Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett on the floor. Rondo was averaging 10.5 points, 5.1 assists and 4.2 rebounds in 59 games, all starts, entering play Friday. Veteran point guard Sam Cassell saw his first extended time since joining Boston when he scored six points in 14 minutes against Seattle on Wednesday night.

PLAYER TO WATCH

RAY ALLEN, Celtics

The former Bucks guard suffered subpar shooting games against Detroit (1 for 9) and Chicago (2 for 7) earlier this month, but he regained his stroke in the three games before Friday night. Allen was 9 for 13 against Memphis (23 points), 8 for 12 vs. Philadelphia (21 points) and 8 for 10 against Seattle (18 points). Allen suffered an ankle injury Friday and played only one quarter.

LINEUPS

PROBABLE CELTICS STARTERS

Player Ht. From
G-Ray Allen 6-5 Connecticut
G-Rajon Rondo 6-1 Kentucky
C-Kendrick Perkins 6-10 Beaumont, Tex.
F-Kevin Garnett 6-11 Mauldin, S.C.
F-Paul Pierce 6-7 Kansas

Coach: Doc Rivers (fourth season, 153-157; eighth overall, 324-325).

Injury report: None.

PROBABLE BUCKS STARTERS

Player Ht. From
G-Royal Ivey 6-4 Texas
G-Michael Redd 6-6 Ohio State
C-Andrew Bogut 7-0 Utah
F-Charlie Villanueva 6-11 Connecticut
F-Bobby Simmons 6-6 DePaul

Coach: Larry Krystkowiak (second season, 28-55).

Injury report: Mo Williams (pubic symphysitis) and Desmond Mason (hyperextended right knee) are day-to-day. Yi Jianlian (sprained right wrist) is out. Andrew Bogut (left thigh bruise) is not listed but will be evaluated today.

THE SERIES
The Celtics lead the series, 1-0, with three games left, including an April 8 meeting in Milwaukee and an April 11 matchup in Boston. The Bucks lead the overall series, 88-84.

NUMBERS GAME
104.5 The Bucks' scoring average over the last 13 games.

94.2 The Bucks' scoring average in the first 52 games.

12-2 The Celtics' record in the second game when playing on consecutive days.

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=728457