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The Celtics meet Toronto Friday night, the start of their back-to-back-to-back stretch. They play at New Jersey Saturday and at Charlotte Sunday, and also at New York Tuesday, making it four road games in five nights.
But no one is quite sure how to approach such a concentrated amount of contests.
“I’ve talked to some coaches who have already been through it,’’ said coach Doc Rivers. “It’s amazing how wide that horizon is. I wish I hadn’t called any of them because it does nothing but confuse you even more.
“I’m just going to play it by ear and watch our guys. There’s a chance they will all play in every game. There’s a chance three or four will play in one game or we split it up. We’re all over the place on that one, I can tell you that.’’
Globe – Grueling stretch ahead for Celtics
The bright side to this absurd stretch of games? The Raptors, Nets and Bobcats all stink. They are a combined 48-126 (.276 winning percentage).
I expect everyone to go tonight, minus Ray Allen. I'd sit Ray for the entire weekend. Bring him back Tuesday vs New York. Are you ready E'Twaun Moore?
Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett should be in street clothes Saturday night. There's no way I want either of them playing 3 consecutive games. Are you ready Sasha Pavolovic and JaJuan Johnson?
Another guy who might get some rest is Greg Stiemsma (foot). Maybe he sits Sunday vs Charlotte.
Doc also needs to monitor Rajon Rondo's minutes. Keep him under 40 for all 3.
What do you think – how should Doc manage the players during this stretch?
Related link: ESPN Boston – Celtics calm before schedule storm | Allen does not travel | Herald – Ray Allen home for 1st leg of trip |
On Page 2, Danny Ainge is still being asked about trades.
Appearing as a guest on The Big Show on Thursday, Celtics president Danny Ainge said that he still would have made a deal at the trade deadline knowing what he knows how about how his team has played recently.
"The deals I wanted to make I probably would have still wanted them," Ainge said. "I thought that I had a couple of deals that we could have been just as good as we are now and protected us in the future. I wouldn't say that, no."
Asked specifically about a rumored deal involving O.J. Mayo and Ray Allen, Ainge wouldn't bite.
"It doesn't even do any good to talk about those made-up rumors," he said. "There's going to be a lot of stuff out there but I can't confirm or deny any of them. It's not fair for me to talk about players on other teams or players from my own team that may or may not have been traded."
Leave it to those clowns on the radio to still be talking about trade rumors. I could come up with a million questions unrelated to the trade deadline. Off the top of my head I would ask Danny about:
- Pietrus/Ray/Stiemsma injuries
- Resurgence of KG and how this affects his earning potential next season
- Rajon Rondo's historic assist streak
- Renewed confidence in Avery Bradley
- Bill Simmons claim Jermaine O'Neal is hated by team
- Why the Celtics have success vs Miami
- Rondo comments on Olympics and whether players should be paid
This is what happens when a media outlet ignores the Celtics for most of the season and tries to play catch-up.
The rest of the links:
CSNNE – Rondo dealing at record pace | ESPN Boston – C's impress JVG | Herald – Big 3 takes change to the bank | CBS – Celtics/Raptors preview |
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