New-look Raptors host Pierce and Celtics

Toronto, ON (Basketball News) - The Boston Celtics try to halt a two-game losing streak tonight when they travel to Toronto to take on Vince Carter and the new-look Raptors at Air Canada Centre.

Donyell Marshall scored 27 points in his Toronto debut and Carter contributed 21 points and a career-high 12 assists, as the Raptors defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 95-88, on Tuesday at the Wachovia Center.

Alvin Williams had 15 points and Chris Bosh added 10 points and 11 rebounds for the Raptors, who have won four of their last six games.

Marshall, who also grabbed nine boards, was acquired along with Jalen Rose and Lonny Baxter from the Chicago Bulls on Monday in exchange for center Antonio Davis and forwards Jerome Williams and Chris Jefferies. Rose ended with just six points, while Baxter had three.

The Raptors halted a four-game losing streak against the 76ers.

Philadelphia opened the fourth quarter with a 9-2 spurt to take a 76-75 lead. Kenny Thomas’ layup ended the run and gave the 76ers their first advantage since the opening quarter.

Toronto then responded with a 12-4 burst to regain the lead. Marshall’s three- pointer capped the surge and made it 87-80 in favor of the Raptors with just 2:45 remaining.

Philadelphia was able to get within 89-85 on two free throws by Allen Iverson with 1:04 left. The 76ers then forced a turnover, but Aaron McKie missed a three-pointer from the corner.

Williams was then fouled and sank both attempts from the stripe with 39.4 seconds remaining to make it a six-point game. After Kyle Korver missed a three-point shot for the 76ers, Carter was fouled and hit both free throws to seal it.

The Raptors, who start a three-game homestand tonight, are 5-2 at home.

The Celtics lost to the Memphis Grizzlies, 96-89, Monday at the FleetCenter.

Paul Pierce poured in a game-high 26 points for the Celtics, who have dropped consecutive outings following a two-game winning streak.

Boston is 3-5 as the visitor.

In 2002-03, Toronto won two of the three contests with the Celtics, The Raptors won the only game at Toronto and split in Boston.

Overall, the Raptors have won three of the last four meetings.

Boston has lost two straight and five of its last six at Toronto.