As coach Doc Rivers put it yesterday, "They're playing better than anyone in the NBA right now. Our record is better. But Portland is playing better. So, it's a good test."
But maybe not a fair one, as the valuable Rondo was held out of practice yesterday with his combo bad back/hamstring. Rivers said it was "50-50" whether Rondo would play. Rondo himself said it was the proverbial "game-time decision."
Neither Tony Allen nor Eddie House has Rondo's expertise, speed, craftiness, or point-guard mentality. Rivers said he might decide to use rookie Gabe Pruitt instead. Pruitt has generally been either inactive this season or playing for the Utah Flash in the D-League. He last appeared in a Celtics uniform a week ago, making a 31-second cameo against the Bobcats.
"One thing Gabe gives us is the shot," Rivers said. "He can shoot the ball. We need that."