Spurs stop off in Beantown

San Antonio has owned the Celtics lately, winning 11 straight and 17 of its last 18 meetings with Boston. The Spurs have won five straight and eight of their last nine in Beantown.

The Celtics last win over the Spurs was a 107-83 home victory on January 8, 1997.

On Friday. the Boston lost to the Orlando Magic, 124-118, in overtime on Friday at TD Waterhouse Centre. Paul Pierce poured in 20 points for Boston, as the Celtics lost for the fourth time in their last six trips to Orlando.

Pierce was one of eight Boston players to notch double-figures in scoring, as only nine Celtics logged game action. Mark Blount scored 15 points, while Marcus Banks and Walter McCarty each netted 14. Mike James, Chris Mihm and Vin Baker netted 12 points each, and Jiri Welsch rounded out the double-digit scorers with 10.

The Celtics, who have lost four of their last six at home, are 10-12 as the host this season.

San Antonio plays the middle of a three-game road trip this afternoon. The Spurs fell to the Indiana Pacers, 89-79, on Friday at Conseco Fieldhouse.

Tim Duncan scored 16 points and hauled in seven boards for the Spurs, who have dropped three straight contests following a four-game winning streak. Tony Parker chipped in 14 points in the losing effort.

The Spurs, who have dropped two straight on the road, are 10-9 as the visitor this season. San Antonio finished up its road trip on Monday at Detroit against the Pistons.