Bodog Beat

Winners of two straight following a dismal stretch, the Boston Celtics play the first of consecutive games against the New Jersey Nets tonight. (AP Images)

Boston had lost four straight and seven of nine before sweeping a home-and-home series with Toronto. Now the 10-point favored Celtics will host the Nets, then travel to New Jersey on Saturday. The Nets, meanwhile, face Portland on Thursday night before its return game with Boston.

A few matchups against New Jersey could help the Celtics continue to build some momentum. Boston went 4-0 against the Nets last season and have won five straight in the series since early in 2007.

Paul Pierce is averaging 30.3 points while shooting 58.0 percent from the field and 60.0 percent from beyond the arc in his last three home games.

Devin Harris, back after missing three of the previous four games with a hamstring injury, had 17 points and eight assists on Monday.