BOSTONThe Boston Celtics are challenged enough as it is with the big men they have.
The last thing they need is for one of their frontcourt players to be out of the lineup, making the return of Chris Wilcox even more important.
Wilcox was unable to finish out Boston's 95-83 loss to Brooklyn on Wednesday due to being sick.
"It was like a 24-hour bug or something," Wilcox told CSNNE.com. "But I'm better now; much better now."
Maybe so, but C's head coach Doc Rivers is still reluctant to play him significant minutes tonight.
"Chris is not going to play much," Rivers said. "And honestly, if I don't have to play Chris I will not play Chris."
Wilcox did not participate in Boston's practice on Thursday, and was not at the team's shoot-around Friday morning.
His return to form is vital not only in what he brings to the floor, but also as it pertains to Kevin Garnett.
Garnett is the first player that Rivers subs out most games, with Wilcox being his replacement.
Without Wilcox, Rivers will likely go with a smaller player or possibly reserve center Jason Collins as Garnett's backup.