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The Boston Celtics scrambled past the Los Angeles Clippers 95-89 in a hard-fought affair on Monday. This was only the second time all month that Boston won consecutive games.

Boston have lost considerable ground to Cleveland in the Eastern Conference and are four games behind their arch rivals. The Celtics have been without forward Kevin Garnett for most of the month with a recurring knee injury which has bothered him all season.

Once again, the absence of Garnett has had a dramatic effect on the rotation as Boston are simply not the same team without this superstar on the floor. He brings a lot more to the table than his explosive scoring ability and outstanding defensive skills. The 33-year-old brings this team together and quite frankly they look lost without him.

Garnett missed the 2009 post-season and had to watch as his Celtics were eliminated from the playoffs by the Orlando Magic 4-3 in a very tight series. But even without Garnett, the Celtics have a very talented rotation. During the summer Rasheed Wallace was signed from Detroit to bolster this already talented rotation while Paul Pierce and Ray Allen are huge contributors every night. Rajon Rondo has developed to become one of the best point guards in the league and has great vision on the floor.

Garnett is slowly playing his way back into the rotation but questions about his fitness remain. Unless this superstar is 100% fit, I do not think the Celtics can win the NBA championship.

I have backed the Celtics at various prices to win the NBA title so I am more than a little nervous right now. From a betting perspective, I was in almost the same situation this time last year when Boston started losing their way due to the absence of Garnett.

In the meantime it may be worth opposing the Celtics in the short term with so many question marks about the health of Garnett. This is a huge week for Boston as they have to play Orlando and Atlanta on the road and host the Lakers on Sunday. Given the way they are playing at the moment, there has to be a chance that they may lose all three games.

There is no question that the game against Los Angeles on Sunday is the fixture of the week. This will be an opportunity for Kobe Bryant and company to come into Boston and send a strong message to the Celtics. A win for Los Angeles will give them a psychological edge should these two teams do battle in the NBA finals.

Boston are one of the best teams in the NBA but I am more than a little surprised that their level drops so dramatically when Garnett is not on the floor. They have an abundance of talent that should be able to pick up the slack but they keep coming up short.

A month ago I was convinced the Celtics were the team to beat in the Eastern Conference but I must admit I am beginning to have my doubts. The Boston Celtics are currently 5.8 (+480) to win the NBA championship. That price could be closer to 7.0 (+600) by the end of the week.

Recommended wagers:
Lay Boston with advertised handicap against Orlando January 28th, Atlanta 29th, Los Angeles 31st