BOSTONThe Celtics will have a bit of a shakeup to their rotation for Monday nights Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals at the TD Garden.
Out of the starting lineup is defensive-minded guard Avery Bradley, who injured his left shoulder during Friday nights game in Philadelphia. When Bradley has been on the floor during the series, the Celtics have outscored the Sixers by 18 points, which is the second-best plusminus on the team behind Kevin Garnetts plus-56.
He wants to play, but he cant, said Celtics coach Doc Rivers. His strength just wont return.
In place of Bradley, Rivers will put veteran Ray Allen into the starting lineup. Allen has not started a game since April 4 and has been playing throughout the playoffs with a bone spur in his ankle. Though he led the Celtics with 17 points in Game 2, Allen was a non-factor in the games in Philly, taking just one shot in Game 3 and going 2 for 6 with five points in Game 4.
Obviously, Ray is limited with his health, Rivers pointed out before the game.
In 46 games this season, the Celtics were 23-23 in games in which Allen played.
As for the Sixers, Elton Brand is still battling a stiff neck and shoulder injury, though he will start Game 5. Brand has struggled mightily during the series against the Celtics, but he was instrumental on defense during the third quarter of the Sixers comeback win on Friday. Coach Doug Collins feels as though Brand deserves to start, but will watch his minutes.
Theres no question hes hurting, but E.B. wont say anything, Collins said.
With Brand possibly limited with his minutes, rookie Lavoy Allen has picked up a bunch of extra court time. In Game 4 Allen played a season-high 33 minutes and he logged 30 minutes in Game 2. Asked if he was worried about the sudden burst of playing time for his rookie, Collins just shrugged it off.
Hes young and strong, but hes fine, Collins said. The other night he got a little winded late in the game, but I told the coaches, I cant take him out now.
For a player drafted 50th out of 60 selections in last summers draft and spent the first part of the season inactive, Allens emergence has been one of the Sixers biggest surprises.
I trust him, Collins said about putting Allen on the floor in significant games.
E-mail John R. Finger at jfinger@comcastsportsnet.com.