(Sports Network) - Oh Pierce, Pierce. Wherefore art thou Pierce?

That is what Celtics players, fans and coaches are probably wondering right about now, as the team is mired in a 13-game losing streak -- the third such skid in franchise history.

Boston is definitely hurting without star forward Paul Pierce, who has missed the last 21 games with a stress reaction in his left foot. The Celtics are an abysmal 2-19 without their starter in the lineup, while Pierce hasn't hit the floor since a 96-95 loss to Golden State on December 20.

It's hard to imagine a storied franchise with a record 16 championships having such an arduous time getting in the win column. The losing streak is certainly taking its toll on the fans, who actually cheered for Lakers star Kobe Bryant in Wednesday's 111-98 home loss to Los Angeles.

Some fans even began chanting "Kobe!" and "MVP!" at TD Banknorth Garden, a very weird scenario in the history of the heated rivalry. Bryant scorched the Celtics for 43 points. Head of basketball operations Danny Ainge was probably pulling his hair out upon hearing the local crowd, as the Celtics dropped their 10th straight at home.

Boston and Memphis have catapulted the chances for a top lottery pick, and Celtics head coach Doc Rivers is apparently coaching his squad to the Greg Oden sweepstakes in this summer's NBA Draft. Oden, a freshman sensation at Ohio State, is expected to be taken No. 1 overall if he declares for the draft.

Those chances, though, could dissolve after the return of Pierce. Pierce is a tough competitor and is averaging 26.6 points and 7.4 rebounds in 24 games this season. The five-time All-Star should make his return later this month.

Second-year forward Ryan Gomes is slowly improving and posted 23 points in the loss to Los Angeles and has 17 double-doubles on the season. Over his last 10 contests, the Providence product is averaging 16.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.

Guard Delonte West has also stepped up his game, averaging 16.6 points, 6.4 assists and 3.6 rebounds over the past eight games after missing four in a row with a bruised lower back. Forward Al Jefferson, too, has been impressive with 15.4 points and 11.7 rebounds since being inserted into the starting lineup in early December.

Jefferson has 21 double-doubles this season, ranking 10th in the NBA.

Boston will try to avoid a franchise-high 14-game losing streak on Friday night when the Los Angeles Clippers pay a visit to TD Banknorth Arena. The last home win for the Celtics was a 119-114 triumph over the Denver Nuggets on December 15.