Celtics visit Toronto

Boston has lost three of its last four games, including Wednesday’s 106-103 loss against the New Jersey Nets at TD Banknorth Garden. Paul Pierce poured in 31 points and Wally Szczerbiak donated 25 points and grabbed six rebounds for the Celtics, who are just a half-game behind New Jersey for the lead in the Atlantic.

The Celtics are on the road for the next two games at Toronto and Chicago. They also own a 2-3 mark as the guest this season.

Meanwhile, Toronto had a brief two-game winning streak come to an end with Wednesday’s 117-98 setback to the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center.

T.J. Ford and Chris Bosh each scored 18 points, while Bosh pulled down 11 boards for the Raptors, who entered the contest having won three of their last four games.

Toronto is 4-2 at home this season.

Boston went 3-1 against the Raptors last season and has won five of six and nine of the last 11 meetings.

The Celtics, though, have lost five of their last eight trips to Toronto.