Iverson and Co. host Pacers

Indiana is 2-1 so far on the swing after suffering a 99-98 loss to the Boston Celtics on Friday. Paul Pierce posted 31 points and eight assists to lead Boston at the TD Banknorth Garden.

Peja Stojakovic scored 24 points for Indiana, which had a two-game winning streak come to an end. The fifth-seeded Pacers are 2-7 in their last nine road tilts and have an 11-17 mark as the guest this season.

Meanwhile, Philadelphia got another outstanding performance from MVP candidate Allen Iverson on Friday against the Washington Wizards.

Iverson, who is averaging 36.8 points over his last five games, poured in 47 points and had 12 assists to lead the 76ers to a 119-113 victory at the Wachovia Center.

Iverson has scored more than 40 points in a game 72 times over his career, while posting 40-plus points and 10 or more assists in a game eight times.

Chris Webber added 30 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists while Andre Iguodala netted 19 points for the 76ers, who are 5-1 since the All-Star break.

The Sixers, currently seeded sixth in the Eastern Conference playoff race, have won four in a row at home and are 19-11 as the host in 2005-06.

In the season series with Indiana, the Sixers lead 1-0 after notching a 111-109 win at Conseco Fieldhouse on November 5. Philadelphia has won five in a row against the Pacers and will play them again in Indiana on March 26.

Indiana has lost two straight and three of five in Philly.