Bucks at Celtics
THE STORY: The Milwaukee Bucks have surely tried to blot out the memory of their last trip to Boston, which led to the worst offensive performance in franchise history. The Bucks will get a chance to avenge that 87-56 debacle of 11 months ago when they visit the Celtics on Wednesday. Of more importance for Milwaukee will be a chance to pull closer to Boston, which holds a 2 1/2-game lead over the Bucks for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FS Wisconsin (Bucks), CS New England (Celtics)
ABOUT THE BUCKS (14-20): Losers of six of seven entering the All-Star break, Milwaukee held on for a 119-118 victory over visiting Washington on Tuesday. Center Drew Gooden (wrist) returned to the lineup following a four-game absence and had 15 points and 10 rebounds. However, he also took a hard fall in the third quarter and did not return to the game. Milwaukee is already without starting center Andrew Bogut, who learned over the weekend he will not need surgery on his fractured ankle.
ABOUT THE CELTICS (16-17): Ray Allen scored 22 points as Boston snapped a five-game losing streak with a narrow victory in Cleveland on Tuesday. The Celtics started to get some reinforcements back on their forward line. Brandon Bass returned (knee) returned from a six-game absence and Chris Wilcox was back after missing one game, but starting center Jermaine O’Neal (wrist) sat out his second straight with a sprained wrist. He is scheduled to be examined Wednesday. Point guard Rajon Rondo also returned after serving a two-game suspension.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Rondo had zero points and 11 assists against Cleveland. It’s the first time he’s failed to score since March 16, 2011.
2. Mike Dunleavy scored a season-high 28 points and three players – Gooden, Ersan Ilyasova and Brandon Jennings – had double-doubles against the Wizards.
3. The Celtics have won the last three meetings with the Bucks.