NBA Roundup

Friday, February 14th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

AUBURN HILLS, Michigan (AP) _ Richard Hamilton scored 29 points Thursday as the Detroit Pistons matched their best streak of the season, to beat the Orlando Magic 98-88 for their sixth straight victory.

The Pistons pulled within a game of Indiana for the best record in the Central Division and Eastern Conference.

The Magic have lost six of eight and might have to compete with Washington for the final playoff spot in the conference over their last 30 games.

Orlando's Tracy McGrady, the NBA's leading scorer, had 35 points on 13-of-31 shooting, 11 rebounds and six assists. McGrady was among the first four players chosen Thursday for the 2004 U.S. Olympic men's basketball team.

Detroit's Cliff Robinson scored 18 points, Chauncey Billups had 12 and Michael Curry tied a season-high with 11. Ben Wallace pulled down 18 rebounds.

Celtics 100, Trail Blazers 92

In Portland, Oregon, Paul Pierce scored 36 points as Boston let a 20-point lead slip away in the second half but recovered in the final two minutes to beat Portland.

Pierce, who had been doubtful for the game after he sprained his right groin against the Seattle SuperSonics on Tuesday night, scored 20 points in the first quarter alone.

Rasheed Wallace had 30 points for the Blazers, who have lost two straight after winning 22 of 27 heading into the All-Star break.

Antoine Walker added 19 points for the Celtics.