BOSTONThe Boston Celtics' longest road trip of the season may begin with key players unavailable, which is similar to their shorter road excursions.
Chris Wilcox, who has come on of late to become a reliable high-energy big man off the bench, did not travel with the team Saturday morning when they departed for Los Angeles.
It is unclear if Wilcox, who did not play on Friday due to a personal matter, will join the team in time for Sunday's game against the Lakers.
His absence deals yet another blow to the Celtics' frontcourt which is already playing without Jermaine O'Neal (wrist).
Without Wilcox, that likely means more playing time for rookies Greg Stiemsma and JaJuan Johnson.
Stiemsma had seven rebounds while playing a career-high 27 minutes in Boston's104-86 win over Portland Friday night.
And Johnson, who played the entire fourth quarter, had two points and three rebounds.
The C's did get a bit of good news.
Mickael Pietrus' sore right knee kept him out of Friday's win, but he did travel with the team to Los Angeles. That means he will most likely be a game-time decision for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers.