--F Brian Scalabrine isn't yet ready to play, but the fans didn't know that at the opener. And it became a bit of a problem. Scalabrine was sent to the dressing room when the fans began chanting for him.

"I sent him in there because I didn't want the distraction, honestly," said Doc Rivers. "I was about to send in some of the young guys like Lester (Hudson), and I didn't want that to affect things. The fans love 'Scal' but at times it's a distraction, even for him sometimes. So I got him out, and he thought it was kind of funny."

--G Rajon Rondo had 16 assists, one off his career-high, in 30 minutes against the Bulls. It was his third time with double-figure assists in as many games (10 and 11 in the other two).

--F Shelden Williams is growing more comfortable. He was tentative at times in the first two games, but was aggressive with 10 points and 10 rebounds in 24 minutes.

MEDICAL WATCH:

--F Glen Davis (fractured right thumb) is out six weeks from October 27 surgery.

--F Brian Scalabrine (sprained right ankle) is out. He suffered the injury in the next to last preseason game when he stepped on an out-of-position cameraman at Madison Square Garden.

--F Bill Walker (right knee surgery) is out indefinitely.

--G Tony Allen (rehab from right ankle surgery) had been practicing with the team and playing in some preseason games, but he has evidently suffered a setback. He has not been working out with the club for the last three weeks.