• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Celtics aim for 14th straight win vs. Hornets

Dec 12, 2008 - 11:21 AM New Orleans (12-6) at Boston (21-3) 8:00 p.m. EST

BOSTON (Ticker) -- The Boston Celtics won the NBA championship last season. So far, there has been no championship hangover.

The Celtics will be looking to match their longest winning streak since 1986 when they go for their 14th straight against the New Orleans Hornets on Friday.

Boston clinched the best 23-game start in franchise history with a dominating, 122-88, win over the Washington Wizards on Thursday. Ray Allen and Paul Pierce scored 22 points apiece while Eddie House came off the bench to pour in 14 points and Kevin Garnett chipped in 11 points and 12 rebounds.

The Celtics also did what they do best, lock down opponents. They are second in the NBA in scoring defense, yielding 90.8 points per game, and lead the NBA with a 41.5 opponents field- goal percentage.

After the easy win against the Wizards, Boston's starters should be well-rested for the second night of back-to-back games. Pierce played 35 minutes against Washington and Allen played 31, but no other player logged more than 27 minutes.

The Hornets are riding a streak of their own, capturing wins in each of their last three games. They topped 100 points in each of their last three games and will be welcoming some new blood to the lineup against the Celtics, when Antonio Daniels makes his New Orleans debut.

Daniels was acquired from the Washington Wizards on Wednesday in exchange for disgruntled guard Mike James. Daniels, 33, is expected to serve as the primary backup to All-Star point guard Chris Paul.

The Hornets are coming off a 105-89 win over the Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday. Paul recorded 15 points and 15 assists in the triumph.