Twenty-four hours ago, we all expected the Denver Nuggets to be at a disadvantage on Thursday night against the Celtics, as they were just beginning to integrate their new pieces after a blockbuster trade.
Now we know the truth — this game will be way, way tougher for the C's. Kendrick Perkins is gone, the bench has been gutted, and Doc Rivers is basically working with an eight-man roster on Thursday night at the Pepsi Center.
For the time being, Glen Davis will have to start at center, and he may have no backup, depending on whether D-League signee Chris Johnson makes it to Denver in time for tipoff. Either way, the Celtics' bench will be pretty sparse.
For the Nuggets, Danilo Gallinari will make his first start in a Denver uniform after being traded from the Knicks earlier this week. Raymond Felton will come off the bench, backing up Ty Lawson.
Here's the lineup card for C's-Nuggets:
Celtics
Rajon Rondo, PG
Ray Allen, SG
Paul Pierce, SF
Kevin Garnett, PF
Glen Davis, C
Nuggets
Ty Lawson, PG
Arron Afflalo, SG
Danilo Gallinari, SF
Kenyon Martin, PF
Nene, C
