Lost in the discouraging Jermaine O'Neal are a few items of good news.
First of all, Garnett should play as early as Monday.
Garnett returns to practice - The Boston Globe
After missing eight games with a strained right calf, Garnett returned to practice yesterday. He was projected to be out for two weeks, and even though coach Doc Rivers said he was progressing well enough to play tonight against the Bobcats, the plan is to get Garnett to complete a practice over the weekend and perhaps play Monday when the Magic come to TD Garden.
I'm all for taking a slow and cautious approach with Garnett, but it will be very good to see him back on the court.
Green Street " Shootaround: Delonte West looks smooth in practice
With a protective brace on his right wrist, West can dribble to his left and right but has yet to be cleared to return to contact in practice. He is still two weeks away from beginning his formal rehab to strengthen the wrist.
It seems like we've been waiting on West all year and we've got some more time to wait but the progress report sounds positive.
Avery Bradley to Maine - Boston Celtics Blog - ESPN Boston
Noting it could happen as early as Friday, Rivers said rookie Avery Bradley will be optioned to Boston's NBA Development League affiliate, the Maine Red Claws in order to log more on-court action.
It has been discouraging to see Bradley so far but the excuse has always been that he has had no real opportunities to play after missing the Summer League and much of the preseason. Now he'll finally get a shot against live competition. Hopefully he lights it up down there, gets a little more confidence going against reasonably good competition and comes back ready to contribute.
Oh yeah, and the Heat and Magic both lost tonight as well. Which is nice.