(My Sportsbook) - The Boston Celtics will shoot for their sixth straight win over the Atlanta Hawks when the two playoff-bound teams square off Friday night at Philips Arena.

Boston is 2-0 against the Hawks this season and posted its fifth consecutive victory between the teams with an 88-85 triumph in Atlanta on December 17. The Celtics have won 11 of its 17 most recent matchups with the Hawks, who have lost two straight as the host in this series.

The Atlantic Division champion Celtics will try to get back in the win column after having their four-game winning streak come to an end with Wednesday's 84-82 loss at Orlando in the opener of a quick two-game road trip. Paul Pierce scored 19 of his game-high 26 points in the second half, but his potential game-winning layup was swatted away by Orlando All-Star Dwight Howard.

Howard's play helped the Magic pull even with Boston for second in the East, with both teams standing just five games behind the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers.

Kendrick Perkins registered 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Ray Allen chipped in 16 points in defeat.

Boston forward Kevin Garnett continued to work his way back to full strength after a knee injury kept him on the sidelines for nearly a month. In his fourth game back, the All-Star posted four points and eight rebounds in less than 17 minutes of action.

Rajon Rondo, who had nine points and five assists against Orlando, is probable for Friday's game because of a sprained left ankle.

The Celtics are 25-13 away from Beantown this season.

Atlanta will resume a four-game homestand Friday and is 1-1 on the residency following Wednesday's 102-92 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Spurs guard Tony Parker clipped the Hawks with game-highs of 42 points and 10 assists, while Joe Johnson paced Atlanta with 30 points.

Flip Murray scored 15 points off the bench for the fourth-seeded Hawks, who had their eight-game home winning streak halted. Mike Bibby netted 13 points and Josh Smith added 12 points, eight rebounds and five assists in defeat.

Atlanta, which is four games ahead of both Philadelphia and Miami in the East standings, owns a 28-8 record at home this season and will also welcome the Los Angeles Lakers to Philips Arena on this homestand.