Bodog Beat

The new-look Nuggets look to beat the defending champion Boston Celtics. (AP Images)

Are you really going to bet against the Boston Celtics the way Paul Pierce is playing? A red-hot Pierce looks to lead the Eastern Conference-leading Celtics to their seventh straight victory tonight when the Denver Nuggets visit TD Banknorth Garden.

Since scoring seven points in an 88-76 win against Detroit on Sunday, Pierce is shooting 50 percent from the field and averaging 35 points in wins over Toronto and Atlanta. That trend should continue, since in 10 career home games versus the Nuggets, he has averaged 29.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists while shooting 54.7 percent from the floor.

The Celtics have held eight of nine opponents under 100 points, and they own the league's second-ranked scoring defense.

Carmelo Anthony recorded a season-low 11 points in a 119-93 loss at Boston last season, while Kenyon Martin has five double-doubles in 18 career games against the Celtics.

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