76ers try to rebound against Boston

The Sixers are a one-half game behind Chicago for the eighth spot after Wednesday’s 99-92 home loss to the Bulls. Boston, meanwhile, is four games behind Chicago for the final postseason berth.

Allen Iverson led all scorers with 26 points and dished out seven assists on Wednesday night, while Chris Webber posted a double-double with 23 points in 10 rebounds for Philadelphia, which fell to 2-6 in its last eight home games.

After Friday’s game versus the Celtics, Philadelphia, which is 21-17 at home this season, will visit the Bulls at the United Center on Saturday night.

Boston has lost four of its last six games, including Wednesday’s 108-91 setback to the Wizards at TD Banknorth Garden.

Paul Pierce, an MVP candidate, buried a three-pointer in the fourth quarter to trim the deficit to 91-85 for Boston. However, Wizards star Gilbert Arenas led a 17-6 run to end the game and push the Celtics further back in the playoff chase.

Pierce had 29 points and seven rebounds against Washington for Boston, which made only 3-of-14 field goals in the fourth quarter and was outscored 29-13 over the final 12 minutes of action.

The Celtics, who have dropped eight of their last 12 games overall, are 3-5 in the last eight on the road and 11-27 away from Beantown this season.

Friday’s game between the Celtics and Sixers is the fourth and final meeting of the season. The Celtics have a 2-1 lead in the season series and have won six of the last 10 matchups with Philadelphia.