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Celtics try to close out perfect road trip vs. division foes

Dec 13, 2006 - 4:25 PM Boston (7-13) at Philadelphia (5-15) 7:00 pm EST

PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) -- The Boston Celtics try to close out a three-game road trip with a perfect mark against Atlantic Division foes when they face the distracted Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday.

The Celtics rallied from an early 20-point deficit and posted a thrilling 92-90 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Saturday on a buzzer-beating jumper by Paul Pierce.

Two days later, Boston found itself in the position to give the game way but it managed to hold on for a 97-90 triumph over New York. Pierce scored 31 points and Al Jefferson added 14, 12 rebounds and four blocks for the Celtics, who led by as many as 30 points.

Meanwhile, the 76ers, who are still seeking to trade Allen Iverson, endured their eighth consecutive loss, 81-79, to the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday. It was the first time the Sixers slumped to an eight-game losing streak since April 2-14, 1997.

Andre Iguodala tied a career high with 27 points and Kyle Korver added 10 for Philadelphia, which shot just 38 percent (26-of-69).

Iverson has been on the inactive list for the past three contests.

The Celtics won the 2005-06 season series, 3-1.