• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Pistons look to gain momentum against the Celtics

Feb 28, 2009 - 5:09 PM Detroit (28-29) at Boston (47-13) 1:00 p.m. EST

BOSTON (Ticker) -- The Detroit Pistons snapped their season-high eight-game losing streak Friday night against the Orlando Magic. It may have been a good thing since another test looms Sunday against the defending NBA champions.

In a rematch of last year's Eastern Conference Finals, the Pistons travel to Boston to face the Celtics.

Boston has won three of its last four games since losing All-Star forward Kevin Garnett to a right knee strain. Glen Davis has stepped up in Garnett's absence, averaging 16 points.

The Celtics welcomed a new addition to the team Friday with the signing of point guard Stephon Marbury, who was brought in to bolster the team's bench. Marbury scored eight points on 4-of-6 shooting in 13 minutes as the Celtics posted a 104-99 win over Indiana.

Against Indiana, the Celtics also received big efforts from Ray Allen (30 points) and Rajon Rondo (career-high 17 assists).

Detroit snapped its longest losing streak in 14 years with Friday's 93-85 victory over the Orlando Magic. Richard Hamilton was inserted into the starting lineup for the first time since January 19 and came through in a big way as he scored 31 points to go along with six assists.

It's uncertain if Allen Iverson (back), who missed the game against Orlando, will return for this contest.

Boston has won all three meetings between the teams this season, including two by double digits. In those meetings, the Pistons have averaged 78 points and shot under 38 percent from the field.