CHICAGOThe Boston Celtics' youth movement continues with Avery Bradley replacing Ray Allen in the starting lineup.
The decision comes after Bradley had a team-high 19 points in Boston's 87-86 loss to San Antonio on Wednesday, a game in which Allen returned to the lineup (as a starter) after missing the previous six games with a right ankle injury.
C's coach Doc Rivers met with the media prior to Thursday's game against Chicago, and discussed the play of both Allen and Bradley.
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However, Rivers made no mention that he would be making a lineup change.
During an interview with TNT during the first half of Boston's matchup against the Bulls, Rivers alluded to Allen asking that Bradley start and that he come off the bench.
For Allen, Thursday's game was his first coming off the bench since Dec. 5, 2002, when he played for the Milwaukee Bucks. He has appeared in 1,145 games and has started all but five of them.
During Allen's absence, Bradley was instrumental in Boston winning five in a row which catapulted them into the top spot in the Atlantic Division.
It is unclear if the change will be temporary for tonight's game, or one that the C's will go with for the remainder of the season and into the playoffs.