News / Sports
Doc Rivers Optimistic About Rondo Playing in Game 4
Celtics Coach Hopes Key Player Will Be Ready to Play
On Saturday, Rondo dislocated his elbow after falling to the floor with Heat guard Dwyane Wade. The two got entangled with one another and Wade fell back on Rondo, who landed awkwardly on his left arm.
Rondo's elbow was popped back into place and he was able to help the Celtics finish their defeat of the Heat.
"I'm optimistic about both, that they're going to play," Rivers said on Sunday, referring to Rondo and Delonte West, who is also injured. "I don't know why I am, but I am. I just don't know how well either one can play. But like I've said, if you're on the floor, you're healthy, and that's the way it's been. That's been my motto since I've been here and our guys believe that."
Rivers explained that he will not to do anything to hurt the players or the team. But if Rondo and West get in uniform, it will basically mean that they are good to go - no excuses.
"I think it was Kevin [Garnett] actually who said it, what I always say, 'If you're in uniform, you're healthy. If you're not healthy, you're not in uniform.' That's how we always viewed it," said Rivers. "And we will make no excuses [Monday]. [Monday] is a playoff game, it's Game 4, and we have to win. That's all we have to think about."
According to Rivers, the team will not know for sure if either player can play until game time on Monday night. If Rondo and West do not play, the Celtics will likely activate former Heat point guard Carlos Arroyo.
(Sources: ESPN.com)
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