Atlantic Division rivals meet in Boston

The Celtics lost their third straight game on Friday to Philadelphia 76ers, 87-85, at the Wachovia Center.

Paul Pierce poured in a season-high 33 points for the Celtics, who have dropped four of their last five contests. Boston has also struggled lately in the series, losing 15 of the last 19 meetings with Philadelphia.

Boston is 3-3 at home this season.

Shandon Anderson paced five New York players in double figures with 20 points, as the Knicks defeated the 76ers, 99-88, on Saturday at Madison Square Garden.

Charlie Ward netted 18 points off the bench and Howard Eisley added 17 for New York, which halted a two-game skid and won for just the second time in its last eight contests. Eisley also had nine assists.

Kurt Thomas contributed 14 points and 12 rebounds for the Knicks, while teammate Michael Doleac ended with 12 points.

New York was 10-of-20 from three-point range.

New York’s Allan Houston (back) and Keith Van Horn (ankle) missed the game against the 76ers. Houston is questionable for tonight’s contest, while Van Horn is doubtful.

The Knicks are just 1-5 away from home this season.

New York defeated the Celtics, 89-86, one week ago. Michael Doleac scored the final four points of the game to rally New York to the win over Boston at MSG.

Last Monday, Doleac, who posted eight points and nine rebounds off the bench, hit a jumper and two free throws to overcome an 86-85 deficit and allow the Knicks to snap an eight-game losing streak in the series and a four-game skid overall.

Boston has won eight of the last 11 meetings between the two squads.