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Celtics hope to continue success against Knicks

Nov 24, 2006 - 3:42 PM New York (4-9) at Boston (4-7) 7:30 pm EST

BOSTON (Ticker) - The New York Knicks hope to have better luck on the road against the Boston Celtics.

The Knicks will take on the Celtics for the second time in a week when they travel to the TD BankNorth Garden on Friday.

At Madison Square Garden last Saturday, Ryan Gomes recorded a double-double and Paul Pierce scored 39 points as Boston used numerous runs to post a wild 122-118 victory over the Knicks.

On Wednesday, however, the Celtics were denied their first four-game winning streak since April 12-17, 2005.

Despite facing constant double- and triple-teams, Pierce collected 30 points and 14 rebounds. But he didn't get much help as the Celtics managed just one basket during a 12-minute stretch of the second half in a 92-83 loss to Charlotte.

Entering Saturday's contest against Boston, New York had a two-game winning streak of its own, but has dropped three straight since. On Wednesday, Jamal Crawford and Steve Francis scored 19 points apiece for the Knicks in a 107-89 loss at Minnesota. Crawford replaced Francis in the starting lineup.

The Celtics have won nine of their last 11 meetings between the Atlantic Division rivals.