(Sportsbooks) - A battle of division leaders is on tap in Beantown tonight when the Boston Celtics welcome the Orlando Magic to TD Banknorth Garden. Boston has won four in a row at home and is 9-1 as the host this season. The team will kick off a three-game homestand Monday versus Orlando, Indiana and Portland, and is 28-2 over the past 30 games at the Garden, including the postseason. In Saturday's 89-84 road victory over the Charlotte Bobcats, Paul Pierce scored 19 points and Kendrick Perkins ended with 15 and 12 rebounds for the Atlantic Division-leading Celtics, who have won eight in a row to improve their record to 16-2. Ray Allen added 15 points and Tony Allen chipped in 11 in a winning effort. Meanwhile, Orlando is on top in the Southeast standings and has won four straight and nine of the last 10 games, including Saturday's 110-96 victory over the Indiana Pacers at Amway Arena. Dwight Howard had another solid outing with 32 points, 21 rebounds and four blocks to lead the way. The All-Star center shot 11-of-15 from the field while Rashard Lewis added 24 points, including 21 in the second half. Hedo Turkoglu netted 22 points to help Orlando move to 13-4 this season. The Magic have won six in a row as the guest and are 6-1 away from home this season. Orlando went 2-1 against the Celtics a year ago and is 8-3 over the past 11 meetings in the series. Boston has won two straight and 11 of 13 at home versus the Magic. |
