Wizards host Celtics in home opener

Washington has won three of its last five home openers.

The Wizards started the 2006-07 campaign with a loss. On Wednesday, LeBron James hit the go-ahead layup with 49.3 seconds left and finished with 26 points and 10 rebounds to lift the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 97-94 win over Washington at Quicken Loans Arena.

All-Star Gilbert Arenas, who scored in double figures in all but one game last season, was limited to seven points and 11 assists in the loss for the Wizards, shooting 2-of-12 from the floor. It was his first game below double- digits since January 11, 2006 versus the Hawks.

Caron Butler scored 23 points and Antawn Jamison added 20 for Washington, which was outrebounded, 50-33.

Washington was a solid 27-14 as the host last season. The Wizards will visit the Orlando Magic on Monday before returning home for a three-game stand. They will host Indiana, Milwaukee and New Jersey on the upcoming homestand.

Boston tries to pick up its first win of the season, as it plays its first road game of the campaign. On Friday, Richard Hamilton scored 27 points, as the Detroit Pistons downed the Celtics, 101-88, at TD Banknorth Garden.

Paul Pierce had 22 points and eight rebounds for the Celtics, who opened their 2006-07 season on a bad note, dropping a 91-87 decision at home to the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets on Wednesday night. Wally Szczerbiak netted 18 and Al Jefferson added 11 points and 10 boards.

The Celtics were a dismal 12-29 as the visitor last season. After tonight’s contest, Boston returns home to host Charlotte on Wednesday and Utah on November 10th.

Last season, the Wizards won three of four from Boston. The Celtics have won two of their last three at Washington.