Philadelphia (30-29) at Boston (25-35) 7:30 pm EST

BOSTON (Ticker) - Coming off the high of a dramatic victory, the Boston Celtics open a three-game homestand Wednesday when they host the Philadelphia 76ers.

Celtics All-Star Paul Pierce capped a 31-point performance with a 22-footer at the buzzer of overtime, lifting his club to a 116-115 victory over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday. He has scored at least 30 points in a team-record six straight games.

It was the seventh win in 11 games for Boston, which has been below .500 for nearly the entire season. It enters Wednesday's action 4 1/2 games out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference and 5 1/2 games behind the 76ers.

Rookie Ryan Gomes continued his stellar play of late with a season-high 27 points, nine rebounds, five assists and just one turnover in 38 minutes Tuesday. His effort helped the Celtics absorb the absence of point guard Delonte West, who sat with a strained groin.

West is expected to miss at least one more game, leaving Boston without one of its better defenders to check Philadelphia superstar Allen Iverson.

Iverson had 33 points and nine assists in the Sixers' 94-93 loss to Indiana on Sunday. Chris Webber added 17 points but needed 22 shots to do it and turned the ball over six times.

The teams have split the first two meetings this season, with the home team winning a game apiece. Kyle Korver hit a 3-pointer late in the second overtime and Webber made a clutch steal in the third to help Philadelphia to a thrilling 125-124 victory over Boston at home January 13.