Celtics' West sidelined until next week

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By A. Sherrod Blakely
CSNNE.com

WALTHAMThe Boston Celtics have taken a cautious approach to all injuries, with players coming back later than their initial return date.

So that puts Delonte West in some pretty good company.

The 6-foot-3 guard suffered a sprained right ankle injury during the morning walk-through session prior to the Celtics playing at Utah on Monday.

Between suspensions and injuries, West has missed all but eight games this season.

While the C's were hopeful he would be able to play this week, it looks like they are going to keep him shelved until next week.

"He will not play this weekend," said coach Doc Rivers. "Let's put it that way. And I think he'll be back right after that."

Look for West to return to the Celtics lineup in time for their March 9 game against the Los Angeles Clippers.

In his absence, the Celtics may lean on newly acquired Sasha Pavlovic, a 6-7, 235-pound veteran who can play both shooting guard and small forward.

Pavlovic signed with the C's on Thursday, and is expected to be in uniform for Friday's game against the Golden State Warriors.

"Whatever they ask me to do, I'm going to do it," Pavlovic said. "Try to help them win games."

As far as his role, Pavlovic said the Celtics have told him to essentially be himself.

"They told me to play my game when I get in the game," Pavlovic said. "Whatever coach ask me to do, I'm going to try and do that; I'm going to try to help defensively and offensively, whatever I can do, I'm going to try and do it."

He added, "I'm just going to keep it simple. There's a lot of great players on this team. So whatever my role going to be, I'm going to be happy to do it."

A. Sherrod Blakely can be reached at sblakely@comcastsportsnet.com. Follow Sherrod on Twitter at http:twitter.comsherrodbcsn

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