Kevin Garnett (right knee) could return for the Celtics' final two regular-season games. Garnett last night missed his 19th game since being injured Feb. 19.
"If we can run him 10-15 minutes, we will, if we think that will give him better rhythm," Rivers said of Garnett's status for Tuesday. "For us, we'll use it as practice. Same for Leon [Powe]."
Powe (right knee) and Brian Scalabrine (cervical strain) missed last night's game but will travel with the team to Cleveland and Philadelphia. The Celtics conclude the regular season against Washington Wednesday.
"Monday's not going to be a great practice anyway," Rivers said. "But it's a good practice for Kevin, Scal, and Leon, and even Tony [ Allen], who needs it."
Powe improving, too
Powe went through a 30-minute low-post drill with assistant coach Clifford Ray yesterday morning and will participate in a full practice Monday.
"I've been in a lot worse situations," Powe said. "This is the least of my problems right now. I've had ACL [surgery]. That [rehabilitation] takes years.
"Once you get out there and get the flow, the feel for the game and run up and down, it might take a game or two games, it might take a week. But I'm pretty quick at what I do. If Coach puts me out there I'll get my wind, I'll get the hang of it."
Rivers, though, considers Powe doubtful for a Tuesday return.
"He looked good and he'll be ready for the playoffs," Rivers said. "And that's a pleasant surprise."
Powe was injured when his knee caught a Chicago Bulls player March 17. Powe scored 30 points at Memphis March 13.
"I tried to set a pick - don't know what I was thinking," Powe said. "I just have to refocus and go out there and rehab and try to pick up where I left off. I was in a good flow, we had a lot of guys out, so that means I was starting, I was playing a lot of heavy minutes. That was real fun. I'm quick at coming back, so if they put me out there I'm pretty sure I'll be just fine."
http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball ... off_dates/
If the team is in the air.....most times they can play....Doc is keeping to a schedule....we're locked and loaded......
