A big loss for Celtics

When the season started, coach Doc Rivers could not have imagined a major injury for rookie Al Jefferson would constitute a major loss for the Celtics. Jefferson will miss four weeks or more with a high right ankle sprain, an awfully long time to do without his services.

But that is the state of the Celtics today. Walter McCarty, who awaits a trade to a team that will use him, called it "the changing of the guard." And Rivers makes no apologies for trying to develop the rookies, along with Kendrick Perkins and Marcus Banks. Jefferson missed out on a chance to play in the Rookie Challenge during the All-Star festivities because of the injury, and Tony Allen will represent the Celtics.

Although the Celtics need no reminders about what a little patience and playing time can mean for a young player, they will receive one when Joe Johnson returns to the FleetCenter tonight with the Suns. (The deal that sent Johnson to Phoenix enabled Boston to reach the 2002 Eastern Conference finals.) The Suns' fast-paced play, led by MVP candidate Steve Nash, will test the Celtics' inconsistent defense.

Nash leads the NBA in assists (averaging 10.9 per game) and the Suns are lost without him at the point. Johnson is averaging 15.9 points, behind team leaders Amare Stoudemire (25.7) and Shawn Marion (19.6).

Rivers gave his players yesterday off, knowing they will have to keep up with a Phoenix team averaging a league-best 109 points.

"We've got our work cut out for us," said Paul Pierce. "Phoenix is a tough matchup for anybody in the league right now. They're playing with a lot of confidence. If we can go out there and continue to play well at home and master the energy from start to finish, I think we'll play well against them and hopefully get a win. They've got a few All-Stars on their team, so it's not going to be an easy climb, but I think we're up for it."

Boston will have to make up for the loss of Jefferson, who will be placed on the injured list today, though it's unclear whom the team will activate. Tom Gugliotta has one more game to serve on his stint on the injured list, so Justin Reed probably will be activated.