(Sports Network) - The incomparable Boston Celtics shoot for their 13th straight win in the nation's capital Thursday when they tangle with the hapless Washington Wizards (web|news) at the Verizon Center.

Ray Allen logged a game-high 35 points last Sunday as the Celtics rallied late in regulation and took over in overtime to stop the Indiana Pacers, 122-117.

Kevin Garnett ended with 17 points and 20 rebounds, while Paul Pierce added 17 points for Boston, which won its 12th consecutive game, avenged its only road loss of the season and improved to 8-1 away from Beantown. It's the team's longest winning streak since 1985-1986 when they won 14 straight, on the way to a championship.

Eddie House and Tony Allen, who was nursing a sprained right ankle, chipped in 15 and 12 points, respectively, off the bench for the Celtics, who are off to a 20-2 start for the second consecutive season.

The Wizards, meanwhile, opened a short two-game homestand on a winning note Tuesday when Caron Butler poured in a game-high 33 points, including a perfect 14-of-14 showing from the foul line, and dished out six assists to lead the Wizards in a 107-94 comeback win over the reeling Detroit Pistons.

Antawn Jamison chipped in 10 points, 11 rebounds and four helpers for Washington, which snapped a three-game slide and improved to 3-8 at the Verizon Center. Juan Dixon dropped 16 points and doled out seven assists, while Darius Songaila ended with 15 points.

In team news, the Wizards shook things up a bit on Wednesday when they sent veteran guard Antonio Daniels packing in a three-team deal with the Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Hornets.

The Wizards acquired point guard Mike James from New Orleans and shooting guard Javaris Crittenton from Memphis in the transaction, which also saw Washington give up a future first round pick that was originally acquired in the deal that gave Memphis Juan Carlos Navarro.

Washington has had surprising success against the C's recently, winning three straight and seven of its last eight meetings between the two teams. The Wizards have also won four straight against Boston in D.C.



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