TORONTO Ray Allen's return to the Boston Celtics' lineup is still up in the air. But C's coach Doc Rivers believes his current ankle injury will sideline him for at least two games - tonight against Toronto and tomorrow night's game at New Jersey.
Allen did not travel with the team for tonight's game against the Raptors, but there was a chance that he might re-join the team in time for Saturday's game against the Nets.
Rivers doesn't believe that'll happen.
"Probably not Jersey," Rivers said when asked about Allen's return. "But we'll see after that."
Allen has missed a 12 games this season, most of which have been because of his current right ankle injury.
The main issue appears to be the ankle swelling up to a point where Allen can't run or play at a level he's comfortable with or used to.
With so many games already missed, Rivers was asked if there was any concern that it might become a season-ending type injury.
"It's not that serious," Rivers said. "It's just swelling."
He added, "that's what the doctor's keep saying. So that makes me feel better about it."
With only eight games remaining, Rivers and his staff have discussed a number of options moving forward that would involve giving rest to some of the core players like Allen.
While it would appear his injury in some ways helps address that need, Rivers was quick to shoot that theory down prior to this morning's shoot-around.
"It would be nice to have Ray with us," Rivers said. "Kind of do some of the things we thought we were going to do. Not having him actually makes it far more difficult."
The Celtics are 11-1 in games this season in which Allen has not played.