Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
A team source said that forward Kevin Garnett, who missed his seventh consecutive game with inflammation in his left ankle, is expected to return to action Friday against the Cavaliers.
“Yeah, I guess. I don’t even know,” Rivers said when asked if Garnett would play this week. “Honestly, I haven’t asked one question about it.”
The initial prognosis, made by the team March 25, was that Garnett would miss two weeks.
“Whatever it is, it’s probably coming up and he’ll play,” Rivers said of Garnett’s timeframe for a possible return.
Kevin Garnett last played Friday, March 22 vs the Dallas Mavericks. While it seems like an eternity, he’s been off the court for 7 games and two weeks.
The Celtics are 3-4 in that stretch. They’ve given up 100+ points in 5 of those 7 games.
I support the Celtics decision to have a healthy and rested KG for the playoffs, but I’m ready for his return. I’d like the team to build some momentum before starting the playoffs.
Brandon Bass has played remarkably well during the past two weeks. His offensive numbers are up: 12.3 points, 6 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.6 blocks in 31 minutes. And…
But Bass has made the biggest strides on the other end of the floor. Over the past nine games, Bass is allowing a mere 0.684 points per play, according to Synergy data. To put that in perspective, that’s an Avery Bradley-caliber number (for the season, Bradley has allowed 0.695 points per play, best in the NBA among those with at least 400 plays defended).
Really? If you didn’t show me those numbers, I wouldn’t believe you.
Related links: Herald – Bass gets defensive | Garnett’s absence is killing Celtics D | Globe – C’s rely on depth, versatility in Garnett’s absence
As for the Prince:
Paul Pierce let word slip to WEEI’s Grande & Max after Wednesday’s win over the Pistons that the reason for his absence on Monday was to be on hand for the birth of his first son.
“At 8:21 p.m. [Tuesday], Prince Paul Pierce was born,” Pierce announced proudly to the Celtics broadcasters after a 98-93 win over the Pistons. “In the next 18 years Celtics fans, look out.”
Prince Pierce was welcomed into the world and Pierce was a game-time decision for Wednesday’s game.
Congrats to Mr. and Mrs. Truth.
Related links: Herald – Pierce’s effort glows like the son
The rest of the links:
Herald – Celtics beat Pistons to clinch playoff spot | Frank a big fan of Jeff Green | CSNNE – Off the mat and into the playoffs | Celtics outrebounded but not outplayed by Pistons | Green developing complete offensive package | WEEI – Green and Pierce: We’re two lethal threats | Green drives Celtics over Pistons | Globe – Celtics clinch playoff berth with sloppy win | ESPN Boston – Keep the champagne on ice | Green and the unintentional takeover
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