Monday Practice Report: Plenty Of Rest for Starters This Week

Posted by Brian Robb on Oct 11, 2010 100747 commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F2010%2F10%2F11%2Fmonday-practice-report-plenty-of-rest-for-starters-this-week%2FMonday+Practice+Report%3A+Plenty+Of+Rest+for+Starters+This+Week2010-10-11+18%3A57%3A51Brian+Robbhttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F%3Fp%3D10074

C’s just wrapped their final practice in Waltham for about a week here, as they hit the road for four games in five days, before concluding their exhibition schedule back here in Beantown next Wednesday night.

Given the busy schedule, Doc pulled no punches about his plans to give a few of his starters a night or two off this week, in hopes of both keeping them fresh while getting a look at some of the bubble guys on the roster.

The rest train will start tomorrow night with Shaquille O’Neal:

“Shaq will not go tomorrow, I’m not sure who will go tomorrow. Shaq won’t go because of his hip or something, not sure what it is,” Rivers continued, “I was going to sit him anyway, but I may sit 3 or 4 guys tomorrow, I’m not positive about that.”

You have to love Doc playing dumb while talking about injuries with Shaq.

Why the uncertainity about the rest schedule for everyone else though? Doc wants to give Jermaine O’Neal some reps with the first team, but isn’t sure just how to do it:

“I wanted to see him in the starting lineup tomorrow, but now I may sit other guys, so now I may wait until the New York game since it’s a back to back. I don’t want guys playing both games. I have no idea right now, I’m going to wait until we get on the plane for some meetings.”

Jermaine’s hamstring though? No longer an issue, as he went through the full practice today without a problem. Rivers noted he looked good.

Delonte West continues to battle a back problem, which may be lingering since last year, according to Doc: “He’s fine, but I think that may be an issue. I think it was an issue last time he was here, but that’s just something we are going to have to deal with.”

The good news about Delonte is he will have a 3-4 weeks to rest that back as he sits out the first 10 games due to suspension.

As for the starter rest, really should come as no surprise. The end of the bench has been given limited reps in these games thus far and with a tough final cut to come in the final week here, expect both Von Wafer and Stephane Lasme to get double digit minutes in the majority of these games to give both guys a fair opportunity.

Other Odds and Ends

* Team spend final 15 minutes of practice working on their high post sets in the halfcourt, with the second and third units matched up, with Rajon Rondo handling the point for the third team. Jermaine O’Neal suited up with the third squad as well to likely help even up the matchup while Semih Erden manned the middle for the second team.

* KG worked with Semih Erden and Luke Harangody for about 10-15 minutes after practice concluded to shore up their pick and roll defense and communication.

* Glen Davis practiced without a problem after his nose contusion last night. He is no worse for the wear and is expected to suit up for all further games.

* C’s face Philadelphia tomorrow night in PA.