Celtics to go into pivotal Game 6 shorthanded

From what I can gather from various media outlets and from Doc Rivers quotes the C's have a laundry list of issues going into game 6. Doc says that Rondo and his back spasms are "fine." We shall see on that. He hasn't seemed like the same player the last two games. Tony Allen's ankle is not doing well and Doc is contemplating going in another direction. Unfortunately that direction will not lead to Marquis Daniels, as he is still feeling the effects of last night's concussion. That leaves Nate and Finley to back-up Rondo, Ray and Pierce. Nate has looked out of sync and really is a negative in playoff basketball because he can't guard anyone. The 37 year old Finley has looked like he is completely cooked on the court. Expect Paul, Ray, and Rondo to all play 40+ minutes. Now if they get into foul trouble then we are in serious trouble. Please, please, please Doc do not play Scalabrine at the 3. He can not guard wing players.

In terms of bigs, Perk is a go, but Davis and Rasheed will both be game time decisions. Rasheed couldn't even sit through film today and Baby while improved from last night (He had headaches) is iffy. Doctors tend to be conservative with brain injuries. Maybe Scal can lend him his oversized headband. I'd be somewhat surprised to see Baby granted clearance tomorrow, while I expect Rasheed to go, but be even limited more mobility wise than his usual limited self. Expect Shelden to get minutes and possibly Scalabrine.

With such a short bench tomorrow I believe the biggest key will be whether the Celtics can stay out of foul trouble. If let's say Perkins and Rondo both pick up two fouls in the 1st quarter, we are going to be in big trouble. With Tony's ankle, 'Sheed's back, and Baby's brain injuries our solid 8 man rotation is no more. It's all up to the starters... and the refs.