Added attractions to this one?

WALTHAM -- After strong showings by Kendrick Perkins (dislocated left shoulder) and Delonte West (strained right groin) in practice yesterday, both players and coach Doc Rivers believe they can compete tonight when the Celtics host the Denver Nuggets.

If Perkins and West are in uniform, it will be the first time since Feb. 3, when Al Jefferson went down with a sprained right ankle, that the Celtics' full complement of rotation players will be available.

West still must be cleared today by team physician Brian McKeon and trainer Ed Lacerte, but the point guard has no doubt he will be on the floor. Between the end of practice and tipoff tonight, West planned to undergo as much treatment as possible.

''I think the doc is going to make the final decision, but I felt great in practice," said West. ''I was a little stiff, but I'm definitely able to play, able to go."

Rivers seconded that opinion, and pronounced Perkins ready as well.

''I would say they're both going to play," said Rivers. ''Obviously, [today] that could change. But right now, unless Eddie or the doctor says no, or they wake up sore . . . Delonte is the only guy that would be sore. I don't see how Perk doesn't play. Delonte was driving like he was normal. I think right now they're both playing. I'll start Delonte and I'll keep the same lineup with the bigs."

That means Ryan Gomes will keep his starting job for now and the Celtics will be very big off the bench with Perkins and Jefferson. Rivers noted that Perkins has not played or practiced enough to start him, though Gomes could remain a starter for the rest of the season. Regardless, Rivers has some big decisions to make when it comes to the big-man rotation.

''My first thought would be to separate Raef [LaFrentz] and Ryan, because you've got one power player in Al and a power player in Perk and one guy who can stroke the jumper in Raef and stroke the jumper in Ryan," said Rivers. ''So, those two usually fit each other when you have one or the other . . . But those two [LaFrentz and Gomes] have played so well together, it's going to be a little dilemma for us. Bottom line is I think you'll see all four rotations with those four guys. Al and Perk together at times. Raef and Perk. Ryan and Al. You just won't know."

While Rivers noted that Gomes may see his minutes decrease, it won't be by much.

''He's playing too well," said Rivers. ''I think he's been as productive as any big we've had this season. It's laughable at times [that] we're calling Ryan a big because he's the smallest guy [6 feet 7 inches] of all of them. But he's the most productive on the glass and he's been productive offensively. I don't think Ryan's minutes are going to change much. Raef's minutes will go down a little bit, but I think they should because I think that will make him better. It's a good dilemma."