Doc Gives Celtics Injury Report; Delonte, Baby Out Wednesday
WALTHAM (CBS) - This season, Doc Rivers has had to stress that "Doc" is just a nickname.
Rivers ran down the injury list at practice Tuesday, and it sounds like the Celtics will only be dressing 10 players for the near future.
Delonte West is out Wednesday when the Celtics host the Clippers, and is doubtful for Friday nights game in Philadelphia. West, who rode a stationary bike at practice, has missed the last four games with a sprained ankle he suffered in practice two weeks ago. Rivers is hopeful to have the backup guard back for Sunday's game against the Bucks.
Glen "Big Baby" Davis is also out the next two games while he battles tendonitis in his left knee, although he stresses he would be playing if it were the postseason.
"Whenever I say I'm ready, he's going to put me out there," Davis said at practice on Tuesday.
The news was not as good for Von Wafer, who suffered a right calf strain Sunday night in Milwaukee.
"Von's going to miss awhile, he's nowhere close to coming back," Rivers said.
As for Shaquille O'Neal, Rivers heard his update from sources other than the medical staff.
"Someone told me in the paper today its 85-percent, or was it in the news or paper?," Rivers joked. "Did he tweet that? okay, he's 85-percent."
Shaq told the media he was 85-percent back from a sore Achillies in his right foot at his birthday celebration on Monday, and expects to return within a week.
The team is being extra cautious with their injured players, assuring that they return only when 100-percent healthy. Although the playoffs are right around the corner and team chemistry is very important, a healthy team could make the difference during the postseason.
"I'm not going to push them. Yeah the clock is ticking, no doubt about that," Rivers said. "The one thing I told (trainer) Eddie (Lacerte) is we need them on the floor, but we need them healthy too. We're going to choose health."
