76ers at Celtics
THE STORY: The Boston Celtics were eagerly waiting on the return of veteran Shaquille O’Neal to help bolster a shaky center position. O’Neal’s return didn’t last long. O’Neal will be back in a spectator’s role for Tuesday’s home game against the Philadelphia 76ers after injuring his calf in the second quarter of Sunday’s game against the Detroit Pistons in his first appearance since Feb. 1. O’Neal missed 27 games due to an Achilles tendon injury and Boston has had to rely on Nenad Krstic in the middle. Veteran Jermaine O’Neal also recently returned from a knee injury but it is the inside physical presence that Shaq provides that the Celtics really crave heading into the postseason. Boston hopes O’Neal can play against the Washington Wizards on Friday.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, TCN, CSNE
ABOUT THE CELTICS (53-23): Boston defeated the Pistons 101-90 on Sunday behind 22 points from Paul Pierce and 23 points from Kevin Garnett. The Celtics not only lost Shaquille O’Neal during the game but they were also without Krstic, who missed his second straight due to a bruised knee. Krstic is hopeful of returning for Tuesday’s game against Philadelphia. Jermaine O’Neal has played an average of 15 minutes in three contests since his return. He has made 4 of 5 shots and averaged 3.7 points and 2.7 rebounds. The Celtics are in third place in the Eastern Conference, three games behind first-place Chicago and a half-game behind second-place Miami. The Celtics visit Chicago on Thursday and play at Miami on Sunday.
ABOUT THE 76ERS (40-37): Philadelphia lost more than a game when it lost in overtime to the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday. Guard Louis Williams suffered a hamstring injury that will sideline him for the final five games of the regular-season and leaves his availability in doubt for the first round of the playoffs. Williams is averaging 13.7 points and combines with forward Thaddeus Young (12.6) to give the 76ers one of the most-potent reserve combos in the NBA. Philadelphia signed veteran guard Antonio Daniels to a 10-day contract to provide guard depth with coach Doug Collins lacking faith in rookie Evan Turner, the second overall pick in last June’s draft. Elton Brand had 20 points and 12 rebounds in the loss to the Bucks for his first double-double since March 23.
WHO'S HOT/WHO’S NOT: Brand is averaging 20.5 points and 9.5 rebounds over the last two contests. Garnett is averaging 17.7 points and nine rebounds over the last three games. Philadelphia guard Andre Iguodala is averaging just 10 points and shooting 37 percent over the last three contests. Boston forward Jeff Green is averaging just four points and shooting 40 percent over the last two contests.
KEY STATISTIC: Philadelphia had scored 100 or more points in eight of 10 games prior to scoring just 87 in the overtime loss to Milwaukee. Boston has held 13 of its past 14 opponents under 100 points.
SEASON SERIES: Boston has won two of three meetings. The Celtics notched a 102-101 road win on Dec. 9 and an 84-80 home victory on Dec. 22. The 76ers beat Boston 89-86 on March 11 in Philadelphia.
KEY INJURIES: PHILADELPHIA: G Andre Iguodala (knee); G Louis Williams (hamstring). BOSTON: C Nenad Krstic (knee); C Shaquille O’Neal (calf); F Troy Murphy (ankle).
LAST WORD: “I know I’m out for the regular season. It’s frustrating to have this at the end of the season, but on the positive side I can come back fresh for the playoffs. A couple days off my legs probably will be a good thing. I’m hopeful. I’ll do everything within my power to be ready.” – Philadelphia guard Lou Williams on Monday, discussing the hamstring injury that has ended his regular season.