WALTHAMThe Boston Celtics knew before this morning's shoot-around that Ray Allen (ankle) and Greg Stiemsma (foot) would not play against the Heat tonight.
After the shootaround, Mickael Pietrus (knee) announced that he will not be playing, either. And it looks as though Rajon Rondo (back) could be out as well.
All four players spent Tuesday's shoot-around on the sideline, with Stiemsma and Allen shooting some free throws.
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According to a team official, Rondo spent the practice primarily on the sideline watching.
After practice, Pietrus did some passing and shooting drills with E'Twaun Moore, Marquis Daniels, JaJuan Johnson and Sean Williams.
"I look forward to a good practice tomorrow, and be able to help my team on Thursday (versus Milwaukee), the last game before the playoffs," Pietrus said. "And try to get into a rhythm, get ready for the playoffs."
Pietrus said the decision for him not to play tonight was made by the C's doctors.
"If it was up to me, I'd play," Pietrus said. "But sometimes I have to listen to people who know knees better, know players better. I look forward to staying focused on Wednesday, Thursday and the playoffs."
It is unclear if Pietrus is still having any pain in his right knee, which was surgically repaired last summer.
"Even if I have pain, it's part of me," he said. "I go to the playoffs with it and try and win a championship. In this locker (room), they say, pain or regrets? I will rather get the pain."
