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Ray Allen, Greg Stiemsma Do Not Participate in Celtics’ Morning Shootaround Thursday

WALTHAM, Mass. – Ray Allen stood under a basket in the Celtics' practice facility on Thursday, catching each ball shot by Mickael Pietrus as it thunked through the net.

After draining a few shot in a row, Pietrus held his hand in the air as if on a follow-through.

"Better than Ray Allen!" Pietrus exclaimed.

For Thursday night's game against the Milwaukee Bucks, at least, he will be better than Allen, in that Pietrus will be playing. Allen wore gray and yellow running shoes and did not do much in the shootaround, according to a Celtics official, and did not speak with reporters after the session.

Rajon Rondo, rocking Kentucky shorts, participated and was practicing post-up moves against E'Twaun Moore when reporters were allowed on to the court at the end of the session. Kevin Garnett, who missed the last two games to rest his sore hip, also participated in the shootaround. Rondo, Garnett, Pierce and Pietrus are expected to play against the Bucks.

Greg Stiemsma watched from the sideline as he continues to take it easy on his sore feet.

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