Celtics Plauged by Injuries

Celtics Powe out for playoffs

Dave Pazzaglia

During last night’s thrilling 118-115 win over Chicago the Celtics have run into more injury problems at the worst time of the year. With Garnett already out with looks to be the reminder of the season the Celtics have lost key backup forward Leon Powe for the reminder of the year with a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in the left knee. Powe was injured early in the second quarter of the game which he did not return although the Celtics were able to salvage a victory with Ray Allen’s late heroics draining a three to even the first round series at one a piece. Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo had also left the game with a sprained ankle which he did return to play on. Celtics coach Doc Rivers reports, “Rajon will sit out from practice Tuesday and Wednesday but is expected to play on Thursday.

With a limited bench it’s going to be a tough rode with Glen Davis moving to Garnett’s spot. Glen Davis is an undersized center who gets into follow trouble that Leon Powe would fill in for help. Now with Powe out, Mikki Moore will be looked upon. More has had some success offensively but has a tough time defensively especially against the pic and roll.

Brian Scalabrine is supposed to practice Wednesday with hopes of playing on Thursday, another injured Celtic. But the Celtics won't be sure of his status until he goes through tomorrow's session. Rajon Rondo will have to really show some character playing with the injured ankle because without him the Celtics would be in more trouble then what they have right now. The defending champ’s backs are definitely against the wall and it’s going to take a total team effort to win this series and possibly more with Rivers stating, “I told our guys we need all hands on deck right now. That's what we're going to have." Game three is Thursday night between the Bulls and the Celtics in Chicago at 8 pm.