Celtics Host Heat, But Who Is Playing?
BOSTON (CBS) – Earlier in the season, Tuesday night's Celtics-Heat matchup looked like it could be a potential playoff preview.
Instead, it looks more like it will be a battle of the benches.
The Heat have all but locked up the two seed in the Eastern Conference, and the Celtics are more concerned with their health than home court advantage for the first-round against the Hawks. So do not expect the star-studded lineups to take the Garden floor on Tuesday.
The Celtics had already ruled out Ray Allen (ankle) and Greg Stiemsma (foot) prior to their Tuesday morning shootaround, but have added Mickael Pietrus (knee) and likely Rajon Rondo (back) to that list.
Rondo, still recovering from a nasty spill he took last Tuesday against the Knicks, is questionable Tuesday night, but the C's will likely err on the side of caution when it comes to their point guard. Remember what happened to Rondo during last year's playoffs against the Heat?
Although he is out against Miami, Pietrus did partake in some passing and shooting drills on Tuesday and told reporters he will likely play Thursday when the Celtics close out their regular season against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Pietrus On Recovery, Playoffs:
Read: Celtics-Heat Preview
"I look forward to a good practice tomorrow, and be able to help my team on Thursday, the last game before the playoffs," Pietrus said. "And try to get into a rhythm, get ready for the playoffs."
Doc Rivers hinted Monday that Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett would play in one of the two final games of the season, although he did not specify which ones.
For the Heat, their Big 3 of Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh will all likely sit out Tuesday night's game.
