After dispatching their longtime cross-country rival with relative ease Saturday, the Boston Celtics will return to the same building Monday night knowing a tougher test awaits.
The Clippers have proven to be the best Los Angeles has to offer this season, even after LeBron James moved into town with the Lakers, and they will get a chance to solidify their playoff standing in the Western Conference when they play host to the Celtics.
Boston will enter Monday's finale of a four-game road trip with a chance for a California sweep. Having already defeated the Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings and Lakers, a victory over the Clippers as well would send the Celtics soaring into the final 14 games of the regular season.