The Boston Celtics have been struggling.
That is news to no one who is an NBA basketball fan. Many feel the C's are heading into the playoffs looking ripe for the picking. The once feared Beast of the East Celtics are now viewed as beatable. However, keep in mind that the Celtics' bench has been very banged up, forcing the C's starters to play more minutes than head coach Doc Rivers would like in these final weeks before the playoffs.
The extra time the stars have been playing has taken its toll, and it has shown. The Celtics have finally received some good news, and they hope that it will help them break out of their recent slump.
It is clear that the Celtics have missed Kendrick Perkins' down low presence and his defense over these past few weeks since their blockbuster deal, which sent Perkins and Nate Robinson to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Nenad Krstic and Jeff Green.
Reserves Jermaine O'Neal and Von Wafer are hoping their return to the hardwood will help solve the Celtics' problems. Both players participated fully in the team's lengthy off-day practice Wednesday at the AT&T Center. It appears that O'Neal will play Thursday against the Spurs, barring any sudden complications with his injured knee. Jermaine O'Neal has been sidelined since January 12th as a result of his knee problems and his corresponding knee surgery.
Speaking on Jermaine O'Neal's return, on 95.5 the Sports Hub (local Boston Radio station) on Wednesday afternoon, Doc Rivers said his veteran center "had a phenomenal practice" and is expected to play Thursday.
"I feel better today than I did two days ago, because J.O. looked great today," said Rivers.
"We worked pretty hard today, and very physical," said Rivers. "I have no idea how he's going to feel in the morning, but if he feels great, tomorrow we'll play him. Not a lot, but I'll definitely play him."
O'Neal is not happy with seeing the Celtics struggle and/or lose games. He is very excited and anxious to make his return and made that clear by telling The Boston Globe, "I'm going to play tomorrow ... We talked a little bit about me playing back-to-back games. Obviously, it's sensitive, but I told them the plan is to play back-to-back games, the plan is to play as many minutes as I can without limitation."
Assuming O'Neal's knee doesn't swell from the intense practice Wednesday, the Celtics will be able to play him Thursday vs. the San Antonio Spurs.
In other news, Celtics reserve guard Von Wafer is progressing from his calf strain, and though he isn't expected to play Thursday, his return may come sooner rather than later. The Celtics can use all the help that they can get as they make their final push to overtake the Chicago Bulls for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Karen Carreno Bijou Phillips Marika Dominczyk Dita Von Teese Rachel Nichols
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