WALTHAM - Already down Kevin Garnett and Leon Powe, the Celtics are dealing with two more health concerns to their front court. Brian Scalabrine missed this morning’s shoot-around/practice in Waltham with flu-like symptoms and was told to stay home and get ready for tonight. Meanwhile, Kendrick Perkins did practice but is nursing a sore left shoulder. Perkins will start tonight and Rivers expects to have Scalabrine available off the bench. “Perk’s shoulder’s pretty good,” Celtics coach Doc Rivers said Tuesday morning. “Obviously, it’s not 100 percent but it’s good enough to play. He’s doing alright. Scal’s not here. He’s got the flu. We’re hoping he can make it to the game tonight.” The Celtics host the Orlando Magic in Game 5 tonight at TD Banknorth Garden at 8 p.m. with the series tied, 2-2.
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Obviously K-Perk is the biggest concern. He must be effective for the Celtics to have any shot at closing this series out.
Last year in the playoffs, the Celtics frontcourt consisted of Garnett, Pierce, Perkins, P.J. Brown, James Posey, Leon Powe, Big Baby and Scalabrine.
What a difference a year makes!