PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania – If the clash between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia was a National Basketball Association playoff preview, the 76ers might not have liked the picture.

Paul Pierce hit the winning jumper and scored 31 points as the reigning champion Celtics defeated Philadelphia 100-98 despite the absence of Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett.

Garnett missed the missed the meaningless game for Boston to rest his strained knee while Allen served a one-game suspension for elbowing Cleveland forward Anderson Varejao in the groin.

In their absence, Pierce made seven three-pointers to lead the Celtics.

The Celtics already had the second seed in the Eastern locked up and could play Philadelphia in the first round of the playoffs if Philadelphia are the seventh seeds.

However, the 76ers could move up a spot to sixth and play Orlando if they win on Wednesday night in Cleveland and the New York Knicks beat Chicago.

Philadelphia have their work cut out, as the Cavaliers are 39-1 at home and are attempting to match the best home record in NBA history.

Meanwhile, the Sixers are only 16-24 on the road.