LOS ANGELES - Boston center Kendrick Perkins will not play tonight because of a left strained shoulder, Celtics coach Doc Rivers said in his pre-game press conference.
“He called me this morning and said ‘No chance,’ ” Rivers said.
Boston will fill-in with Leon Powe and P.J. Brown.
It also means that Kevin Garnett will get taken away from his “rover” role and assume center responsibilities.
Rivers said he doesn’t have a set limit on minutes for his big men but will go on a visual feel.
Rivers was asked if Perkins would be available should there be a Game 6.
“I would say doubtful,” Rivers said.
LAKERS NOTES
Coach Phil Jackson re-affirmed that his team has put Game 4 behind itself. He held a shootaround this morning and said the mood was good.
So, naturally, one of the first questions regarded how they defy history in trying to erase a 3-1 deficit.
“We’re young enough and dumb enough to be able to do this,” Jackson said.
Jackson also said he is looking for better bench play. His reservers were outscored, 35-15, in Game 4, and Jackson thought they lost confidence.
–Curtis Zupke, The Orange County Register
