NBA – Pierce fires short-handed Celtics past Sixers
PHILADELPHIA (NBA) - The Boston Celtics didn't have star forward Kevin Garnett (knee) or Ray Allen (suspension), but they still had enough firepower to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night. In what could be a preview of a first-round play-off showdown, Celtics captain Paul Pierce scored 31 as Boston edged the Sixers 100-98. Philadelphia can still finish sixth and play Orlando in the first round instead but for that to happen, they must win in their last game of the regular season at Cleveland on Wednesday night and hope that Toronto upset the Chicago Bulls.
PHILADELPHIA (NBA) - The Boston Celtics didn't have star forward Kevin Garnett (knee) or Ray Allen (suspension), but they still had enough firepower to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night.
In what could be a preview of a first-round play-off showdown, Celtics captain Paul Pierce scored 31 as Boston edged the Sixers 100-98.
Philadelphia can still finish sixth and play Orlando in the first round instead but for that to happen, they must win in their last game of the regular season at Cleveland on Wednesday night and hope that Toronto upset the Chicago Bulls.
Chicago currently occupy sixth place.
Garnett, meanwhile, is expected to return for the play-offs while Allen was banned for a game after throwing an elbow in Boston’s game at Cleveland on Sunday.
Cleveland, the top seed in the Eastern Conference play-offs, have lost just once at home all season.
The Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz also met in a preview of a first-round Western Conference play-off clash.
Andrew Bynum, who missed much of the season through injury, poured in 22 points for LA with Pau Gasol of Spain contributing 20 and nine rebounds.
LA improved to 65-17 win the victory while Utah fell to 48-34.
Miami and Atlanta will also square off in the first round and they met on Tuesday in Georgia.
The Hawks beat the Heat 81-79.
FIBA