Response to : Celtics without five players vs. Heat

The Celtics injuries are certainly starting to pile up, as it seems that the title of my paper, "who is going to step up" brings a new meaning by all the injuries. The starters have been bitten by the injury bug, as Kevin Garnett (who has now been out for a couple of weeks) and Rajon Rondo (who was injured in the Celtics' win vs. the Cavaliers). Also the bench is in rough shape as on of the top bench players, Tony Allen has been out for some time now with a dislocated thumb, as well as big men Glen "Big Baby" Davis and Brian Scalabrine who both get a high amount of playing time, are now out.

Obviously the Celtics have missed and are missing KG because of his veteran presence on the floor, but he will likely miss at least one more week.

With so many people out and Ray Allen and Paul Pierce having fatigue issues, the rest of the team will need to step up in order for the team to stay competitive for the number one seeed in the east.

I agree with Coach Rivers when he said that it is a growth period and that if anything, it will make the team stronger. Let us hope that he is right.

Article 11: Celtics without five players vs. Heat

"The Boston Celtics boggest opponent right now is the training room."

Rajon Rondo and Glen Davis joined Kevin Garnett, Brian Scalabrine and Tony Allen on the list of players that will not be playing against the Heat on wednesday the 11th.

Coach Doc Rivers said that both Rondo and Davis will miss at least the next two games.

Kevin Garnett will miss more than that.

Paul Pierce and Ray Allen both played 45 minutes in the loss to Orlando, and were told that they would recieve limited minutes for at least the next game.

8 of 15 players played a full practice on monday, with the 5 injured players plus Pierce and Allen doing a shortened practice.

Doc Rivers said "In the long run, I think this might make us a better team."