Paul Pierce and the Boston Celtics (7-1) return to action after a long layoff tonight when the Utah Jazz swing into Boston with an eye on improving their 3-4 record.

The Jazz are sounding at a high note after beating the Knicks, 95-93, on the road Monday, and as Paul told ESPN, he is ready for a battle:

"Utah always plays us tough in this building; I don't remember the last time we beat them twice in once year."

A win at the Garden is not uncommon for the Jazz as they have been victorious against the Cs in two of their past three matchups. A NESN.com blogger detailed the history of the series:

The Celtics and Jazz split two games last season, with the home team winning each time. The Cs took the first meeting 100-91 at the Garden with all five starters scoring in double figures, but the Jazz beat Boston 90-85 in Utah.

However, with a 7 -1 record, No. 34 and the well-rested Cs are favored to win on their home court. While the Captain looks to turn the tide of history against the Jazz, he’s not taking anything for granted, as quoted by ESPN:

"We expect those guys to come in here and give us a battle," Pierce said. "We know it won't be easy. Despite their record, they still have three All-Stars on the court. We've got to be ready. I'm glad we have a few days where we can rest up and go over things so we'll be ready."

STRATEGIES ABOUND
The Jazz also have their work cut out for themselves, as the Truth scored 20 points and had nine rebounds when last the two teams met in February.

Despite Paul's valiant effort, the Celtics lost to the Jazz, so, there is no doubt that he has a bone to pick on Thursday.

In order for Boston to pull out a league leading eighth win the key will be for The Truth to keep two steps ahead of Jazz small forward Matt Harping. Harping proved to be a defensive force last season and evading him will allow the Captain to do what he does best dominate play in the paint.

Containing Jazz point guard Deron Williams will also be integral to a Boston win.

TUNE IN
The Truth and the Celtics tip off against the Jazz Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will air locally on CSNE.

RELATED ARTICLES
Point guard clash key again for Celtics (ESPN.com, Nov. 11, 2009)
http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/news/story?id=4644064
Celtics Happy to Host Jazz After Three Days Off (NESN.com, Nov 11, 2009) http://www.nesn.com/2009/11/celtics-happy-to-host-jazz-after-three-days-...

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