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With the Boston
Celtics still searching for some consistency following a roster shakeup, Jim
O'Brien hopes their standing in the Atlantic Division won't falter.
O'Brien and the Celtics hope to build on a win over a key division foe as they
open a four-game road trip against the lowly Atlanta Hawks.
Boston passed Philadelphia atop the weak Atlantic Division with an 87-84 win over the 76ers on Sunday.
O'Brien, though, is worried that his team hasn't been able to jell yet following a six-player trade last Monday in which the Celtics acquired Ricky Davis from the Cleveland Cavaliers. Boston has split four games since the trade.
``Not everybody's
on the same page, nor should they be,'' O'Brien said. ``We clearly have a tremendous
amount of work to do. Our rotations are in a shambles right now.''
Davis had 10 points Sunday, and is averaging just 8.7 points in three games
as a reserve since the trade.
Celtics star forward Paul Pierce continues to shine, however. Pierce scored 31 points, going 16-for-18 at the foul line and added 10 rebounds and seven assists against the 76ers.
``These guys are playing with tremendous confidence and I'm thankful for that,'' Pierce said. ``I'm trying to find open guys and they're knocking down open shots and making me look good.''
Jiri Welsch added 22 and the Celtics overcame a 12-point deficit in the final quarter. Vin Baker had 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Atlanta is coming off its seventh straight loss, 103-92 to the New York Knicks on Saturday.
It's the Hawks' longest losing streak since dropping 10 straight from Feb. 20-March 9, 2001.
Shareef Abdur-Rahim had 20 points to lead Atlanta, which lost its eighth consecutive road game. Atlanta now returns home, where it has lost three straight.
Abdur-Rahim has continued his strong play. The forward is averaging 22.6 points and 10 rebounds, while shooting 52 percent in his last 14 games.
Travis Hansen started in place of Dion Glover (flu) at guard for the Hawks on Saturday. Glover will be a game-time decision against the Celtics.
Boston has won 11 of the last 15 meetings with Atlanta, including five straight.
STANDINGS (through Dec. 21): Celtics - 1st place (tied), Atlantic Division. Hawks - 8th place, 13 1/2 GB, Central Division.
PROBABLE STARTERS: Celtics - F Baker, F Welsch, C Mark Blount, G Mike James, G Pierce. Hawks - F Abdur-Rahim, F Stephen Jackson, C Theo Ratliff, G Hansen, G Jason Terry.
TEAM LEADERS: Celtics - Pierce, 24 ppg, 7.7 rpg and 5.9 apg. Hawks - Abdur-Rahim, 20.2 ppg and 9.7 rpg; Terry, 5.1 apg.
2002-03 SEASON SERIES: Celtics, 3-0.
LAST MEETING: Jan. 15; Celtics, 86-66. At Boston, Pierce had 28 points to lead the Celtics.
ROAD/HOME RECORDS: Celtics - 6-6 on the road; Hawks - 4-9 at home.
INJURIES: Celtics - F Raef LaFrentz (knee); F Brandon Hunter (Achilles'); F Chris Mills (heel). Hawks - F Alan Henderson (back); G Terrell Brandon (leg); F Obinna Ekezie (knee); G Glover (flu).
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