Tipoff: 6 p.m. Where: Arco Arena. TV: CSN. Radio: KHTK (1140 AM).
Overview: This is the first meeting this season between the Kings and the defending NBA champion Celtics. The Kings have played the Celtics nearly evenly in 45 previous games during the Sacramento era, winning 21 contests. The Celtics swept last season's series 2-0, including a victory at Arco -- Boston's first since the 1995-1996 season. The Kings are 15-8 against the Celtics at Arco. The Kings have yet to defeat an Eastern Conference opponent in seven attempts this season. Celtics update: The Golden State Warriors handed the Celtics their second consecutive loss, which is the longest skid of the season for Boston. The Warriors outscored Boston 35-17 in the fourth quarter for the 99-89 win, just one day after the Los Angeles Lakers stole a 92-83 win. The Kings, meanwhile, have lost five consecutive games and 15 of their last 17.
Celtics injuries: C Kendrick Perkins (left shoulder strain, day-to-day).
Kings injuries: SG Kevin Martin (sore left ankle, out); PF Kenny Thomas (left calf strain, out).
Probable starters Kings No. Player Pos. 19 Beno Udrih PG 15 Francisco Garcia SG 34 John Salmons SF 33 Mikki Moore PF 52 Brad Miller C
Celtics No. Player Pos. 9 Rajon Rondo PG 20 Ray Allen SG 34 Paul Pierce SF 5 Kevin Garnett PF 0 Leon Powe C
