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Celtics eye 17th straight victory

Dec 19, 2008 - 2:09 PM Chicago (12-13) at Boston (24-2), 7:30 p.m. EST

BOSTON (Ticker) -- The Boston Celtics' winning streak survived the road trip and the team now returns home with a chance to set a franchise record.

Boston goes for its 17th straight win on Friday when it hosts the Chicago Bulls.

The Celtics are coming off a hard-fought 88-85 triumph at the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday. Joe Johnson missed the second of two free throws with a chance to tie for the Hawks with under two seconds left.

Kevin Garnett scored 10 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter to lead Boston, which will play its next three games at home. The franchise record for most consecutive wins is 18, which was set during the 1981-82 campaign.

Chicago has alternated losses and wins in its previous four games and is coming off a 115-109 overtime triumph against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday.

Ben Gordon and Andres Nocioni each scored 22 points for the Bulls, who have lost five straight games to the Celtics. Gordon tied Wednesday's contest with 21 seconds left when he converted a four-point play.

Boston has won nine straight at home.