PHILADELPHIAFor a change, it's the Boston Celtics' opponent dealing with injuries to key players.
In addition to Philadelphia center Spencer Hawes (left Achilles Strain) who has played in just 14 games this season, Sixers coach Doug Collins said his team would also be without supersub Thaddeus Young (flu-like symptoms).
Although Young has come off the bench all season, he is the team's third-leading scorer with 13.2 points per game. He's also averaging 5.2 rebounds.
"So we lose our advantage off the bench with speed and quickness that he brings us," Collins said. "But there is no time to sit around looking for any sympathy."
Collins said Young did not attend the team's morning shoot-around.
"I initially thought if he was going to miss it might be his shoulder, but his shoulder's fine," Collins said.
The C's can relate to having a key player miss time because of what's essentially a cold.
Ray Allen has missed five games this season, one because of flu-like symptoms and another one because of a different illness.
"It goes hand-in-hand, sort of what this season is," Collins said. "Guys get worn down, and it's hard for them to fight things off."