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Celtics host division-rival Knicks

Mar 4, 2012 - 3:55 PM (Sports Network) - The 2011-12 season has been an inconsistent one for the Boston Celtics, but lately they've been on the right track with three straight wins. Today the Celtics aim for a fourth consecutive victory over the Atlantic Division-rival New York Knicks in the continuation of a four-game homestand.

The Celtics haven't tasted defeat since losing five in a row from Feb. 15-22 and kept their winning streak intact with a 107-94 triumph over division foe New Jersey on Friday from TD Garden. Paul Pierce led the way with 27 points and eight assists, while Rajon Rondo, who has been the subject of trade rumors, tallied 14 points, 13 assists and five steals in the win.

"I think we are moving the ball a lot better and hopefully hitting our stride right here at home," Pierce said. "We are playing better basketball."

Kevin Garnett contributed 20 points and 10 rebounds for the Celtics, who are 13-8 at home and three games off the pace for the division lead. The Celtics will close out the residency Tuesday versus Houston.

Boston sharpshooter Ray Allen missed the Nets game because of an illness and is expected to return Sunday. He is averaging 14.8 points this season.

New York has alternated wins and losses over its last six games since ripping off a season-high seven wins in a row. It will begin a four-game road trip this afternoon against the Celtics, Mavericks, Spurs and Bucks, and owns a 7-9 record away from Madison Square Garden.

The Knicks rebounded from a loss at Miami by posting a 120-103 victory versus Cleveland in the Big Apple on Wednesday, as Jeremy Lin notched 19 points and dished out 13 assists. Lin went 1-of-11 shooting with eight turnovers against the Heat.

"I'm just happy it wasn't eight [turnovers], like it was in Miami," said Lin. "I'm happy about one turnover, I think if I can keep it [to] three or less a game, that's my goal."

Carmelo Anthony scored 22 and Steve Novak nailed five three-pointers en route to 17 points off the bench for New York, which overcame a 17-point first-half deficit and outscored the Cavs, 71-42, in the second half. New York also got 50 points from its bench and 68 points in the paint

Tyson Chandler had 13 points and 15 boards in a winning effort. The Knicks sit 3 1/2 games behind Philadelphia for the top spot in the Atlantic.

New York and Boston have split a pair of matchups this season, with each team prevailing as the host, and will meet again on April 17 at MSG. The Celtics have won 18 of the last 22 encounters with the Knicks, losers in 10 straight trips to Beantown. The Knicks last defeated the Celtics on the road back on Nov. 24, 2006 in a 101-77 win behind Steve Francis' 22 points.