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(Sports Network) - The Boston Celtics will resume a five-game homestand when they take on the Charlotte Bobcats this evening at TD Banknorth Garden.

Boston has won three straight and eight of its last 11 games, including Wednesday's 92-87 victory over LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the opener of the homestand.

Ray Allen scored 22 points and Kevin Garnett ended with 18 points and 11 rebounds for the Celtics, who have won six straight at home and improved to 24-4 as the host this season. Leon Powe added 13 points off the bench.

The Atlantic Division-leading Celtics will also welcome Atlanta, Detroit and Chicago to Beantown on the current homestand.

In injury news for Boston, guard Tony Allen (calf) is expected to miss Friday's contest.

Charlotte will try to stop a four-game slide when they close out a three-game road trip tonight in Boston. The Bobcats are 0-2 so far on the trek and have dropped eight straight as the visitor, including Wednesday's 113-89 loss to the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

Already without forward Gerald Wallace due to a concussion he suffered last Friday against Sacramento, Charlotte lost the services of swingman Jason Richardson in the second quarter due to a right eye contusion and corneal abrasion.

Matt Carroll led the way with 19 points for the Bobcats, who have dropped 11 of their last 12 overall games and fell to 4-21 as the guest in 2007-08. Emeka Okafor tallied 18 points and 14 rebounds in a losing effort.

On the injury front for Charlotte, Richardson is probable for Friday's game.

Boston and Charlotte are playing the third of four matchups this season tonight. The season series is tied at a game apiece, with the Bobcats slated to host the Celtics on April 5. Boston has won five of the last eight and nine of the 13 lifetime meetings between the clubs.

Charlotte has lost five of its seven all-time meetings at Boston.