Daily Links (BSMW) - 3/9

From Boston Sports Media Watch

Mark Murphy looks at the tough loss for the C’s and wonders whether Rajon Rondo’s absence, if extended, will be more difficult to overcome than any other injury.  Frank Dell’Apa has the Celtics finally waking up in the final quarter, but too late to dig out of the hole they dug themselves.  He also has Doc Rivers second-guessing his decision to start Stephon Marbury over Eddie House.  Shalize Manza Young has the Celtics struggling offensively without Rondo is the lineup.  Lenny Megliola has the Celts not using injuries as an excuse for the loss, rather the lack of defensive intensity.  Bill Doyle looks at Doc’s decision not to start Eddie House and how it impacted the slow start for the offense.  Steve Bulpett looks at the excellent play of Ray Allen down the stretch, as he single handedly put the green on his shoulders in the final frame. 

Marc Spears has the injuries really starting to pile up for the Celtics, creating some serious lineup issues for Doc Rivers during a critical stretch of the season.  Steve Bulpett looks at the timetable for Kevin Garnett’s return, with the Celts indicating he may be held out beyond next weekend and the 3-week timeframe given a few weeks ago.  Frank Dell’Apa’s notebook has more on the potential return of KG, and Paul Pierce entering some elite company yesterday, passing Robert Parish as the third-hhighest scorer in Celts history.  Steve Buckley has Pierce excited about his place in Celtics history, but more proud of the fact his name is attached to a championship along with the all-time greats.  Young’s notebook has more on Doc’s second-guessing, KG’s injury, and Pierce’s milestone.  Doyle’s notebook looks at the Celtics struggles at home on Sunday’s during these early tip-off’s.  Scott Souza has a piece on how Doc Rivers continues to get on Leon Powe, despite his recent play.

Some blog links:

• Rondo back on Wednesday? (Celtics Hub and Red's Army)
• Who's more "valuable" than Rondo? - Examiner

The C’s are in Jekyll & Hide mode after taking out the Cavaliers on Friday night, then dropping yesterday’s matinee against the Magic. Friday’s win proved costly, as NESN’s Boston Celtics Blog says Rajon Rondo, who was injured in the game, could miss ten days. Red’s Army says not so fast on that Rondo prognosis. Celtics 17 says the loss of both Rondo and KG hurt from the start yesterday, but the C’s still managed to turn in a pretty good defensive effort. Green Scene says Rondo’s injury means it’s time for Stephon Marbury to step it up.

NBA Outsider tells you why Starbury is going to work out in Boston. CelticsBlog extolls the virtues of Ray Allen, who is having a career shooting year from both the floor and line, and has added defense to his arsenal.Fernsten’s Follies says Doc shows the same destructive tendencies of K.C. Jones when he’s given too many balls to juggle.