Cassell answers Pruitt's sick call

While an under-the-weather Gabe Pruitt was probably in bed last night, Sam Cassell was finally back in a Celtics uniform.

Pruitt left TD Banknorth Garden before last night's game against the 76ers because of a virus. The second-year guard said he would not make the trip to Charlotte, N.C., for tonight's game against the Bobcats. With rookies J.R. Giddens and Bill Walker making their D-League debuts with the Utah Flash last night, the Celtics activated the 39-year-old Cassell.

"I guess I got it from somebody else around," said Pruitt, who has played in just seven games this season.

Said coach Doc Rivers, "He's not feeling good. He ate too much turkey. Maybe we should have practiced."

Cassell and Giddens had been the only Celtics not activated for a game this season. Cassell averaged 7.6 points, 2.1 assists, and 17.6 minutes in 17 regular-season games with the Celtics last season after getting his wish to be waived by the Clippers.

"It's time," Cassell said. "I'm happy to get on the court. It's about that time. It will be fun. I was never overanxious."

Cassell, however, did not play in the Celtics' 102-78 victory. He did say he'll probably get some playing time tonight against the Bobcats.

Cassell has been staying in shape by playing lots of one-on-one with Brian Scalabrine.

"Sam looks great," said Scalabrine, who had 4 points last night. "From the time we've started playing, both of our games have gone up. His ability to defend and make shots is big. He'll be ready for us down the stretch."

Once Pruitt is healthy, will the Celtics have room for three backup point guards with Eddie House, Cassell, and Pruitt?

"I think there is," Pruitt said. "I can play [shooting guard]. Sam can play [shooting guard]. We can be on the floor together. I think there is room for everybody."

Walker had 23 points and eight rebounds and Giddens added 19 points, including the winning baseline jumper with 0.6 seconds in overtime, and 12 boards as the Flash beat the Austin Toros, 93-91, in their season opener.

Thankful bunch

Even though Rivers gave the Celtics Thanksgiving off, several players worked out in preparation for last night's game. Rivers went to Orlando to be with his family. The Celtics will be working the next major holiday, as they face the Lakers in Los Angeles Christmas Day.

"I always tried to keep things in perspective as far as family," said Rivers. "I don't know if one day is going to make or break a season, and you only have a couple of those days."

Ray Allen said Rivers has been his best coach in terms of giving the players downtime, and he appreciated the time off for Thanksgiving.

"It's a long season," said Allen, who worked out Thursday night. "To celebrate the holidays with our families and take that time off, the atmosphere that is bred is one where everyone is going to work hard knowing we're going to get days off. That's not even a compromise.

"[Rivers does that] more so than anyone in my career. Toward the end of the season, your body feels great, fresh, and more rested."

Allen said that when the subject of Allen Iverson missing the Pistons' practice on Thanksgiving came up, he quickly told those attending dinner at his home that the Celtics were given the day off. Allen, however, didn't consider Thanksgiving an excuse to miss practice.

"You come to practice and talk trash about going to practice," he said. "We've all been there. Going to practice on Thanksgiving or going to practice on Christmas, we've all been there. But we all come."

On Iverson, Rivers said, "I don't want to get involved in that. That's a whole different issue. I'm glad it's not our problem. I don't think our guys would do that."

Challenges ahead

Philadelphia coach Maurice Cheeks was on the 76ers' 1983 NBA championship team. The 76ers' hopes of repeating ended quickly the next season as New Jersey won a best-of-five, first-round series, 3-2.

When asked about repeating, Cheeks said, "The challenge is knowing every night you are going to get the other team's best. Every night teams are going to come at you. When they announce you as the champions, that can juice a team up. It's knowing you have to play your best every night.

"Last [season], the Celtics were phenomenal. They are playing the same way now, just watching them against Golden State [on Wednesday]. Golden State was playing extremely well, but these guys seemed like they turned it on at the right time, and I think that's where winning the title, you feel like you have the ability to do it, you feel like you have to take the other team's best shot. And that gives you every opportunity to win."

Frank Dell'apa of the Globe staff contributed to this report.