Hawks begin two-game swing at MCI Center

(Basketball News) - Southeast Division rivals square off tonight at the MCI Center, as the Washington Wizards host the Atlanta Hawks.

The Hawks play the first of a brief two-game road trip. On Tuesday, Paul Pierce poured in 27 points to lead the Boston Celtics past Atlanta, 98-94, at Philips Arena.

Zaza Pachulia had 18 points and nine rebounds, while Al Harrington contributed 16 points in the loss to Boston for the Hawks, who failed in their bid to win three straight contests for the first time this season.

Atlanta is just 3-14 as the visitor this season. The Hawks will visit the NEw York Knicks on Friday at Madison Square Garden.

Washington, meanwhile, comes in on a sour note after dropping a 97-89 decision to the Utah Jazz on Monday. Antawn Jamison poured in a game-high 30 points to lead a second-half rally for the Wizards, who were unable to overcome a 14- point halftime deficit and have now lost five of their last six.

Caron Butler netted 16 points for Washington, while Antonio Daniels finished with 15 points on 5-of-9 shooting.

After scoring 30 points for the 16th time this season in a win against Boston on Saturday, Gilbert Arenas was held to just 14 points Monday on 6-of-17 shooting.

The Wizards, who will be closing a three-game homestand tonight, are 8-8 in their building this season.

Washington won all four matchups with the Hawks last season and has won five straight and 11 of the last 15 meetings. Atlanta has also dropped seven of nine at the MCI Center.