Bulls-Celtics Preview

The Boston Celtics passed a major test on the road in their last game, preserving the longest winning streak in the NBA this season.

Now, three seemingly easier home games are all that stand between them and the longest run of victories in franchise history.

The Celtics go for their 17th straight win Friday against the Chicago Bulls, who've been blown out in their last three visits to TD Banknorth Garden.

A trip to Atlanta may have been Boston's biggest challenge in its last 16 games, and the Celtics struggled offensively through three quarters in a building in which they lost three playoff games last season.

Kevin Garnett responded for the Celtics, going 5-of-5 from the floor and scoring 10 of his 18 points in the final 12 minutes as Boston (24-2) pulled out an 88-85 win. That kept alive the Celtics' chances of breaking the club record of 18 victories in a row, set during the 1981-82 season.

"Sometimes it seems as though it's a burden. That monkey grows. It's a good monkey though," Boston guard Ray Allen said. "I've never been on a streak like this. It's great to be a part of our winning here. I think our winning is based on our preparation."

Boston will now be preparing for three straight home games against teams with losing records. After the Bulls visit Friday, New York and Philadelphia each make their second trip of the season to TD Banknorth Garden. Wins in all of those games would make the Celtics the first team in NBA history to start 27-2.

Including playoffs, the Celtics have won 33 of their last 35 at home. They're 62-8 there since the beginning of last season, allowing an average of 87.8 points in that span.

The Celtics' stifling defense again carried them against the Hawks, who shot a season-low 36.7 percent and lost for just the second time at home this season.

"You play your role around here," Garnett said. "You do your job. You do what you're supposed to."

Since Boston acquired Garnett and revamped its roster before last season, the Bulls (12-13) haven't been able to solve the Celtics' defense -- especially on the road. In three trips to TD Banknorth, they've shot a combined 32.2 percent and lost all three games by an average of 21.3 points.

The Celtics have won five straight overall against Chicago, and the Bulls are 3-10 on the road this season. They fell 96-80 at Boston on Oct. 31.

"They competed every possession and they have a swagger about them," Chicago coach Vinny Del Negro said after that game. "We never developed any type of flow offensively."

The up-and-down Bulls are coming off back-to-back overtime games Tuesday and Wednesday. They lost 110-101 at Charlotte in the first game, but outlasted the Los Angeles Clippers 115-109 at home Wednesday.

Ben Gordon had 22 points, including a four-point play to tie the game during the final minute of regulation, while rookie Derrick Rose converted a three-point play in overtime to help seal the win.

"It was not pretty at times, but we found a way to win," Del Negro said. "After the overtime loss and getting in overtime tonight, I could not be happier for the guys."