Perk makes presence felt

Center Kendrick Perkins returned to practice Monday and is expected to play for the Celtics against Cleveland in Pittsburgh Tuesday.

Perkins, recovering from right shoulder surgery, participated in his first full-speed training session since the Celtics opened preseason camp Sept. 29.

"I felt the contact and it was cool," Perkins said. "I just need to pace it and keep building it from here, keep doing the extra stuff, the conditioning. It's been real frustrating but I'm happy to feel a part of it and be part of the rotation right now.

"I delivered a few hits, a few fouls. I was just trying to set some screens and get back into it, just trying to be physical and see where I'm at. Now, I just have to make sure to stay on top of it, and take care of myself."

Said Celtics coach Doc Rivers: "I thought he gave and lot of good hits. I don't know if they were intentional but two or three people went down and Perk was standing near them, so I just assumed he's the culprit."