CHICAGO – There is extra NBA security in place near the Celtics’ bench tonight to keep an eye on guard Tony Allen, who has received death threats in his hometown, according to several sources.

NBA sources said the Celtics and Bulls made sure there was extra security by their bench during Game 3 of a first round playoff series tonight to keep a protective eye on Allen. Sources also said Allen has been receiving the threats in Chicago for some time now. Sources said the former Chicago Crane High school star also received some threats prior to a March 17 game loss at Chicago, but he didn’t make the trip due to a thumb injury.

Yesterday marked the first time Allen made a Celtics trip to Chicago this season. The 6-foot-4, 213-pounder has yet to be reached for comment. While nothing may have happened during Game 3, a source said the extra security was in case as a preventative measure just in case.

When asked about Allen’s situation, Celtics president Rich Gotham only said: “It’s a security matter. It’s our policy not to comment on security matters.”

It’s uncertain why Allen is receiving the threats. On April 25, 2007, he was found not guilty of charges of aggravated battery in a Chicago court. The ruling by a judge game on the second day of a trial stemming from a fight in August 2005 outside a downtown Chicago restaurant.