Szczerbiak injures ankle, again

According to Celtics trainer Eddie Lacerte, the sprain to the right ankle didn’t look good and swelled up immediately. Szczerbiak just returned from a five-game absence and is expected to miss more time.

In 17 games this season Szczerbiak is averaging 18.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists per contest. He currently leads the Celtics with a 90 percent clip from the free throw line.

"It definitely hurts more than the last one, so we’ll just have to see," said Szczerbiak. "It just happens. It’s just part of being in this league. I’ve got to be resilient. I’ve got to go through all my treatments, go through the rehab process, handle it like the other one and come back strong again."

Speaking of strong, the Celtics have ripped off a season-high five straight wins and handed the Bobcats a 106-100 loss. Leading scorer Paul Pierce finished with 35 points and buried the sealing jump shot in the final minute of play. Boston is enjoying its longest winning streak since a seven-game stretch in March 2005.

The Celtics will return home to host Golden State and Philadelphia before opening a five-game road trip out west against Denver, the Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State, Seattle and Portland.

Boston, which leads the Atlantic Division, is getting a lot of help on the glass from Al Jefferson, who has recorded double figure rebounds in five straight games.