(Sports Network) - The Boston Celtics are virtually certain to end a two-year absence from the playoffs this season, but right now the current owners of the NBA's best record are simply hoping to break a lengthy winless spell in the city of Orlando.

The Eastern Conference-leading Celtics will attempt to halt a five-game losing streak at TD Waterhouse Center in this afternoon's matchup with the frontrunners of the Southeast Division, the Orlando Magic.

Boston has not won in central Florida since a 117-101 decision over the Magic on November 29, 2004. Orlando dealt the Celtics a 104-102 defeat at TD Waterhouse Center back in November, one of only three losses in 18 road games by Boston this season.

The Magic have also taken seven of the last 10 overall meetings in this series, although the Celtics did defeat Orlando in Beantown last month.

Boston comes in having won four of its five most recent games and is fresh off Friday's narrow home victory over the lowly Minnesota Timberwolves.

In his first encounter with his former team since the offseason blockbuster trade that sent him to the Celts, Kevin Garnett returned from a fourth-quarter abdominal strain to preserve Boston's 87-86 triumph with a steal in the final seconds.

Garnett, who made 10 All-Star teams during his 12-year tenure with the T- Wolves, finished with 10 points and 16 rebounds despite sitting out a four- minute stretch with the injury, which isn't expected to keep him out of today's tilt.

Kendrick Perkins topped Boston with 21 points and Paul Pierce added 19 in the win.

The Magic, who own a two-game edge on second-place Washington in the Southeast, were riding a three-game win streak until Friday's 101-93 loss at Detroit. Richard Hamilton poured in 32 points for the Pistons, who roared out to a 39-18 lead after one quarter and were up by as many as 27 points in the first half.

Orlando, which has now lost seven in a row in the Motor City, received 23 points from Hedo Turkoglu and 22 points and 14 rebounds out of All-Star center Dwight Howard.

The Magic were playing without starting point guard Jameer Nelson for a fourth consecutive game. The fourth-year pro has been sidelined with a strained right foot and is considered questionable to return to the lineup on Sunday.

Boston is hopeful to have veteran swingman James Posey, who has missed the team's last three games with a sprained index finger, back in action for today's test.