Vote: Can Celtics Win Without Kevin Garnett?

Things aren’t looking good for Kevin Garnett. The Big Ticket may have punched a one-way voucher to the bench for an extended period of time after leaving Wednesday night’s loss to the Pistons early with an injury.

How will the Celtics react to what could be an lengthy blow to their starting lineup? Fortunately for Doc Rivers, this isn’t necessarily a new task for the men in green.

Two years ago, Garnett played in just 57 regular-season games and zero postseason contests due to a knee injury. The Celtics went 18-7 without Garnett in the regular season and won seven playoff games (four against the Bulls and three against the eventual Eastern champion Magic). Glen Davis stepped in for Garnett in 14 postseason games and averaged 15.8 points in 36.4 minutes per contest.

Can Big Baby do it again this year? The fourth-year Celtic from LSU has played in all 30 games this season but has yet to start. In a career-high 29.7 minutes per game, Davis is averaging 12.1 points and 5.7 rebounds per game — both career highs as well.

Jermaine O’Neal, who has played in the C’s last three games after sitting out the majority of the month with an injury, may also see time filling in for KG. JO grabbed six rebounds and drained seven points in 23 minutes of action against the Pistons on Wednesday, but health has been a factor for the newcomer.

Can the Celtics win without Kevin Garnett?online survey