Celtics Need the Bucks to be their Valentine

The Boston Celtics are in big trouble. The members of this one-proud dynasty have lost 18 games in a row and the fact that Red Auerbach is not around to see his former team in this tailspin is the one positive in the entire mess.If anyone can help the 12- 18 Celtics get out of their funk it may be the 19- 33 Bucks. Boston is in last place in the Atlantic 15 back and Milwaukee is 14 back in the Central. The Bucks have a slightly better offense but a weaker defense. The game is at home for the Celtics, where they are only 4- 21. Milwaukee is 8- 22 on the road.

The Celticsâ€™ 18 game losing streak is the longest in team history and six short of the all-time NBA record held by Cleveland, which began setting the mark in 1981-82 season and continued and finished the feat in 1982-83. The single season losing streak is 25.

Boston was close to ending their streak on Sunday when they were on the road playing the Minnesota Timberwolves. At one point the Celts led the Wolves by 10 but lost 109- 107 after committing 3 turnovers in the final 90 seconds.

One problem for Boston has been the absence of their leading scorer Paul Pierce (26.0 PPG), who has been out since December 20. Pierce has been back in the line-up for just the last few games. He scored 29 points in the loss to the Wolves.

The last two times these teams have met, the Bucks have won but Milwaukee is also on a losing streakâ€”eight straight.

The Celtics are favored by 6.5 in the contest and with Pierce back have a shot at ending the frustration that started on January 7 in Orlando with a 79- 87 loss. Letâ€™s see if the Celts show the heart needed to win tonight.