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Celtics chase eighth straight home win

Mar 2, 2008 - 2:18 PM Atlanta (25-32) at Boston (45-12) 6:00 pm EST

BOSTON (Ticker) - Two of the league's worst teams just a season ago, the Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks are finally playing meaningful games in March.

The Celtics, who own the best record in the NBA, target their eighth straight home win Sunday when they face the Hawks.

Boston, which was 24-58 a season ago, has the NBA's best record.

Kendrick Perkins scored 19 points and Rajon Rondo handed out a career-high 16 assists as the Celtics extended their winning streak to five games with a 108-100 triumph over the Charlotte Bobcats on Friday. Boston has won seven straight games at home, where it is 25-4 on the season.

The Celtics coasted to a 106-83 win over the Hawks earlier this season. The teams also meet in the final week of the season.

After a 30-52 campaign in 2007, Atlanta stands a game behind New Jersey (26-32) for the final spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The Hawks may be in line for a first-round playoff matchup with Boston if they can overtake the Nets in the final weeks of the season.

The Hawks won their second straight game on Friday when they defeated the New York Knicks, 99-93. Mike Bibby, who was acquired on February 16 from the Sacramento Kings, recorded his second straight double-double with 11 points and 10 assists while Josh Smith paced Atlanta with 25 points.