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Print | Comments () Posted by Gary Washburn Globe Staff April 17, 2012 07:42 PM

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By Gary Washburn, Globe Staff

NEW YORK -- Well, the Celtics were dealt two late blows before this showdown as Ray Allen (right ankle) and Mickael Pietrus (right knee) will not play tonight. Allen's ankle began causing him discomfort this afternoon after he said he would play this morning.

Pietrus surgically repaired right knee swelled up after playing three games in three nights and he was sent back to Boston for further examination. Both are uncertain to play Wednesday against Orlando.

As for the Knicks, Amar'e is expected to return Friday but the Knicks are still a dangerous team and trying to claim the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference and a first-round matchup with the Miami Heat. Jeremy Lin remains out with a torn meniscus in his left knee and is likely out until the second round of the playoffs.

STARTING LINEUP

BOSTON CELTICS (36-25)

PG Rajon Rondo
SG Avery Bradley
SF Paul Pierce
PF Brandon Bass
C Kevin Garnett

INACTIVES: Jermaine O'Neal, Ray Allen

NEW YORK KNICKS (31-29)

PG Baron Davis
SG Iman Shumpert
SF Landry Fields
PF Carmelo Anthony
C Tyson Chandler

INACTIVES: Jeremy Lin, Amar'e Stoudemire

OFFICIALS: Dan Crawford, Tony Brown, Pat Fraher