KG out; Pietrus, O'Neal to play

Doc Rivers said prior to tip-off that Kevin Garnett (hip flexor) was a game-time decision, and now that the game has arrived Kevin Garnett is . . . (drumroll please) . . .

out.

Garnett was listed as doubtful by Rivers yesterday after not practicing, but was upgraded to probable today after the team shootaround. But probable wasn't good enough, because Chris Wilcox will start in place of KG.

Garnett walked into the locker room in a jacket about one hour prior to tipoff, went in the back room, and eventually walked out wearing his Celtics uniform. He didn't look to be in great spirits, and now we know why. This is the first game KG has missed -- a pleasant surprise to Rivers.

"It’s a great bright spot, I didn’t know health wise if he could or would, with the schedule I didn’t know if we were going to play him every night anyway," Rivers said. "And we still may not. The schedule is tough, but we kept his minutes down, and I think that’s been very important. He likes the 5-5-5 thing, pretty much, so that’s gone well for us, too."

JaJuan Johnson played a season-high 33 minutes in Sunday's win over the Bulls, and will most likely see a decent amount of time tonight.

With Garnett out and a banged up Jermaine O'Neal (knee) playing, Detroit's Greg Monroe could have a big game.

Mickael Pietrus (knee) will also play tonight.