www.enterprisenews.com/sports/x414846856/Shoulder-woes-continue-to-hamper-PerkinsCELTICS NOTES: Shoulder woes continue to hamper Perkins
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Associated Press
Paul Pierce pumps his fist as the Celtics take the lead in overtime during their 115-109 victory over the Raptors on Monday night at the Garden.
By Jim Fenton
ENTERPRISE STAFF WRITER
Posted Jan 12, 2009 @ 11:16 PM
Last update Jan 12, 2009 @ 11:17 PM
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BOSTON — Kendrick Perkins began having problems with his left shoulder when he suffered a dislocation during practice in February 2006.
Nearly three years and three surgeries later, the Boston Celtics’ center continues to deal with shoulder woes that have forced him out of the lineup for the second time in recent weeks.
Perkins, who strained the shoulder in last Friday night’s loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, missed his second consecutive game on Monday night when the Celtics defeated the Toronto Raptors, 115-109, in overtime at the TD Banknorth Garden.
The latest ailment is expected to sideline Perkins for at least two more games with a possible return next Monday night. The welcome-back game would be against the bruising Shaquille O’Neal and the Phoenix Suns.
“They want to give it more time to rest, so they told me to stay on top of my conditioning and the weights and we’ll go from there,’’ said Perkins. “(Dr. Brian McKeon, the team physician) said he’d rather I sit out for a week to let it rest. I guess it wasn’t that bad because usually when he says something, it is usually a month.
“He’s always thinking long term instead of short term. You know we’re going to make the playoffs, so I don’t think there’s any rush for me to come back right now. It feels better. It gets better by the day and it feels a whole lot better right now.’’
Perkins underwent arthroscopic surgery on the shoulder last July after getting hurt in Game 4 of the NBA Finals when he collided with Lamar Odom of the Los Angeles Lakers.
He hurt the shoulder again against the Lakers on Christmas Day and missed the next game against the Golden State Warriors, then was hurt against the Cavs when he was hit by Ben Wallace.
Coach Doc Rivers is well aware that Perkins’ shoulder is likely going to be an ongoing problem.
“There’s nothing you can do about it,’’ said Rivers. “It’s just one of those injuries. He’s had it now for three years. Once it goes out, basically we’re just going to have to be lucky.
“It’s going to go back out. You know that. When and what day, we have no idea, but we know it will. It’s just bum luck.
“With Perk, it has to be frustrating. He knows he’s going to play (eventually). He knows he’s going to get right, but he just knows it could happen again and it’s just bum luck. He’s going to have to play through it the rest of the year.’’
Brian Scalabrine made his second start in place of Perkins, but Rivers said he will go game by game and let matchups decide who fills that role.
Allen out again:
Tony Allen, who has a right ankle injury, missed his fifth straight game and will not play until at least next Monday, according to Rivers. Allen is wearing a boot as a precautionary measure. … Kevin Garnett made his 1,000th career start and scored his 21,000th point in the victory. … The Celtics play the New Jersey Nets in a home-and-home series on Wednesday night at the Garden and on Saturday afternoon in East Rutherford.
Rookies return:
J.R. Giddens and Bill Walker, who have been with the Utah Flash of the NBDL since November, were back with the Celtics on Monday. Walker was in uniform while Giddens was on the inactive list. … It was Armed Forces Night at the Garden as season ticket holders donated more than 500 seats to members of the military. … Sam Cassell was in uniform again, but he has still not made his 2008-09 debut. … New Red Sox pitcher John Smoltz had a courtside seat.
