ROTATION: Starters -- Point guard Rajon Rondo, Shooting guard Ray Allen, Small forward Paul Pierce, Power forward Glen Davis, Center Kendrick Perkins. Bench -- Guard Eddie House, Guard-Forward Tony Allen, Forward Brian Scalabrine, Center Mikki Moore, Guard Stephon Marbury.
PLAYER NOTES: --G Rajon Rondo came into Game 5 averaging a triple double, and he came close with 28 points, eight rebounds and 11 assists. "He's just phenomenal," said Celtics coach Doc Rivers.
--G Ray Allen hit a big 3-pointer in the last period to get the Celts within three on their comeback. Then, 17 seconds later at 5:27, he got whistled in a double-technical with Brad Miller and fouled out with 10 points.
--C Kendrick Perkins had chastised his team for not playing tough and focused. Then he came out in Game 5 and went for 16 points, 19 rebounds and seven blocked shots. Perkins played 48:20 as coach Doc Rivers kept backup center Mikki Moore on the bench all night. Brian Scalabrine was the interior sub.
MEDICAL WATCH:
--F Leon Powe (torn left ACL) is out for the season.
--C Kevin Garnett (sore right knee) is being listed by the team as day to day, but coach Doc Rivers has said he is out for the season.
