"He did something with his hamstring last night so we didn't want to take the chance," coach Doc Rivers said. "I don't think it's anything bad but I actually don't really know. He should be fine by (Friday). If he's not we just go with somebody else."

Rondo missed the Dec. 30 game against the Los Angeles Lakers because of the same hamstring injury. The second-year point guard said will be available to play and expects to start Friday night, when the Celtics play New Orleans at TD Banknorth Garden in the third game of a four-game homestand.

"I'm playing tomorrow for sure," Rondo said.

Rivers said the team was taking a cautious approach during Thursday's practice.

"We didn't ask him to do anything," Rivers said. "Whenever you have something like that, you don't take a chance. You just tell him to sit and see what he can do (Friday)."