Friday, March 11th (All times eastern)

Detroit Pistons (37-22) at Boston Celtics (32-29), 7:30 p.m.

(Sports Network) - The Boston Celtics hope to widen their lead in the Atlantic Division tonight when they welcome the Detroit Pistons to the FleetCenter.

The Celtics currently lead second-place Philadelphia by three games in the Atlantic standings.

Boston has won five of its last six games, including three-of-four to start a six-game homestand. On Wednesday, Paul Pierce scored 27 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter, as Boston rallied to beat Atlanta, 95-91, at FleetCenter. Pierce also had 10 rebounds and Ricky Davis added 21 points in the win.

Antoine Walker had 15 and nine rebounds for the Celtics. Walker is averaging 20.3 points and 9.2 rebounds in the six games since he was acquired from Atlanta before the trade deadline.

The Celtics are currently third in the Eastern Conference playoff race because they hold the Atlantic Division lead.

Boston will conclude its current home set Sunday against Washington.

Detroit, meanwhile, hopes to win its second straight after halting a three- game skid with Wednesday's 92-88 win over Golden State. Tayshaun Prince and Antonio McDyess scored 20 points apiece to lead the Pistons over the Warriors.

Richard Hamilton added 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists for the Pistons, who managed their ninth win in 12 games.

Rasheed Wallace chipped in 13 points and made a jumper with 44 seconds remaining that gave Detroit the lead for good.

The Pistons currently lead the Central Division by five games over second- place Cleveland and trail Miami by 7 1/2 games for the Eastern Conference lead.

Detroit will host Utah on Sunday.

The Pistons are 2-0 against the Celtics this season, and have won five straight games in the series.

Detroit has won three straight games in Beantown.

03/11 10:05:24 ET