< Back to front page Text size – +

Rondo, Allen, Pietrus all out for Celtics

Print | Comments () Posted by Gary Washburn Globe Staff April 18, 2012 07:41 PM

Tweet
E-mail

By Gary Washburn, Globe Staff

Doc Rivers obviously is choosing health over playoff seeding and he decided tonight to hold out Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, and Mickael Pietrus against the Orlando Magic. Avery Bradley and Sasha Pavlovic will be the starting backcourt.

Rondo has a bruised tailbone suffered during a hard fall lunging for a rebound Tuesday night against the New York Knicks. He experienced back spasms today and Rivers decided to hold him out. Allen is still slowed by that troublesome right ankle that is not improving, according to Rivers.

"None at all really," Rivers said when asked if Allen made progress. "That's becoming obviously troublesome for us. Maybe by the Miami game we can get him back. There is just concern that the ankle is not responding and we need him."

The coach said neither are likely to play Friday against the Atlanta Hawks, another game that could determine playoff position.

Pietrus's right knee swelled up after three games in three nights and Rivers said he just needs a break. He also missed Tuesday's game against the Knicks.