Celtics welcome Wizards to Beantown

Washington has won five of its last six games and owns a three-game lead over the Orlando Magic in the Southeast Division. The Wizards posted a 99-96 win over the Detroit Pistons on Friday at The Palace of Auburn Hills, as Antawn Jamison scored a season-high 35 points and pulled down eight rebounds to lead the way.

Gilbert Arenas had 25 points, 10 assists and six boards, while Brendan Haywood added 10 points and nine rebounds for the Wizards, who are 8-13 as the visitor this season.

The Celtics, meanwhile, have dropped 10 in a row, including Friday’s 96-90 loss to the Toronto Raptors at the Air Canada Centre.

Al Jefferson recorded his 19th double-double with 20 points and 10 boards and Allan Ray chipped in 17 points off the bench for the Celtics, who have lost 17 of their last 19 games.

Boston’s franchise-record losing streak was a 13-game slide during the 1996-97 campaign. It is also 2-16 without star forward Paul Pierce in the lineup. Pierce has been out with a foot injury.

Celtics forward Wally Szczerbiak (sprained right ankle) is doubtful versus the Wizards.

Sunday’s showdown between Washington and Boston is the third and final meeting of the regular season. The Wizards have won the first two meetings this season, three straight and five of the last six matchups.

Washington has won two straight after losing its last four in Beantown.