Celtics try to halt four-game losing streak

Miami, FL (Basketball News) - The Boston Celtics try to put the brakes on a four-game losing streak tonight when the visit Atlantic Division rival Miami at AmericanAirlines Arena.

Earlier this season, Boston crushed the Heat, 98-75, on October 29, 2003 at the FleetCenter.

On Sunday, the Celtics lost to the San Antonio Spurs, 109-92, in front of their home crowd.

Paul Pierce paced Boston with 19 points, while Mark Blount chipped in 15 as the Celtics dropped their fourth straight after a three-game winning streak. Ricky Davis contributed 14 points in a losing cause.

"It’s really tough when you go out on the court and all five guys aren’t on the same page all the time," Pierce said. "We’re trying to find our way together as a team that just came together this year."

The Celtics, who have lost two straight on the road, are 10-10 as the visitor this season.

The Heat return home tonight after going 1-5 on a six-game road trip. Miami lost to the Denver Nuggets, 88-80, on Sunday at the Pepsi Center.

Lamar Odom paced Miami with 26 points and eight assists in the loss to Denver. Eddie Jones and Caron Butler each chipped in 12 points for the Heat.

"We got behind early, just like we did in Sacramento and in Milwaukee," Miami head coach Stan Van Gundy said after Sunday’s loss. "On the road, that happens to you quite a bit. It’s an NBA phenomenon. On the positive side, we haven’t died like we were early in the year."

The Heat got some good news on Monday, as guard Dwyane Wade had the cast removed from his injured right wrist. He will now wear a splint and can practice on a limited basis.

Wade was placed on the injured list January 2 with bone contusions in the wrist and has missed 10 of Miami’s last 12 contests. The Heat’s top pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, Wade has averaged 16.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.4 assists in 29 games this season.

Miami, which has won two of its last three at home, is 11-6 as the host this season.

Boston has won three straight over the Heat. The Celtics have won four of its last five at Miami.