Celtics at 76ers
The Boston Celtics got a very brief respite from the road but they must leave home again for a very difficult back-to-back, starting with a visit to Philadelphia on Tuesday. Following a six-game road trip, the Celtics knocked off Golden State on Friday at home. That is one of just two that Boston will play in its first 12 games after the All-Star break. Still, the Celtics have a chance to record a third straight victory after Paul Pierce spearheaded the win over the Warriors.
While the 76ers are the next in line for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference if anyone falters, it would take quite a run to bridge that gap. After faltering late in a 90-87 loss to Washington on Sunday, Philadelphia stands seven games behind eighth-place Milwaukee. The Sixers have lost eight of nine, and averaging a measly 89.6 points over their last 12 outings. That woeful offensive attack was on display near the end of the loss Sunday, when Philly scored just 38 points in the second half and went the final 2:10 without a point.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, TNT, Comcast SportsNet New England (Boston)
ABOUT THE CELTICS (31-27): Pierce scored 18 of his 26 points in the first half of the 94-86 victory over Golden State. Jeff Green scored 14 of his 18 in the second half, overcoming a hard fall on his left elbow. Most notable was what defensive stalwart Avery Bradley and the Celtics did to red-hot Stephen Curry, who had 25 points but made just six of his 22 attempts and committed four turnovers. "Our guards, they were ready for tonight's challenge. Avery set the tone very early," forward Kevin Garnett, who had 13 rebounds, told reporters.
ABOUT THE 76ERS (23-35): Dorell Wright scored 15 points and Jrue Holiday, Evan Turner and Thaddeus Young had 14 apiece in the loss to Washington, which dropped Philadelphia to 6-20 on the road. The 76ers are significantly better (17-15) at home and have defeated Boston twice in three tries this season. Turner had 26 points and 10 rebounds in an overtime win at the Wells Fargo Center on Dec. 7, and had 25 and 11 in a 106-100 victory in Boston Nov. 9. The Sixers have won four straight at home against their Atlantic Division rivals.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Garnett needs 12 rebounds to move past Hall of Famer Wes Unseld and into 10th place on the all-time list.
2. Pierce has scored exactly 26 points three times in his last five games. He is shooting 50 percent or better in five straight.
3. Philadelphia has not won the season series since 2006-07. It has taken two of the first three meetings this season.
PREDICTION: Celtics 98, Sixers 91.