Ever since last May, when the Celtics built a 3-0 series lead and eventually eliminated the Orlando Magic in a six-game East finals, we've been waiting for a proper rematch between the two heavyweights of the conference.
Boston and Orlando have already squared off twice since, with the two splitting 1-1 this season. But the rivalry reaches another level on Sunday afternoon, with Kendrick Perkins back in the mix.
After taking seven months to recuperate after ACL surgery, Perkins is now back in the swing of things, and he's ready to take on Dwight Howard on Sunday at the TD Garden. Prepare for a seismic change in this clash of East titans.
For the Celtics, having a healthy Perkins was a big key to knocking the Magic out of the playoffs last spring — if you can guard Superman one-on-one, you'll have the manpower left to shut down the shooters around him. If Perk can be kryptonite, the C's can win.
This is Perkins' seventh game, and second start, of the season. He returned to the starting five Friday, in a home loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
Here's the lineup card for C's-Magic:
Celtics
Rajon Rondo, PG
Ray Allen, SG
Paul Pierce, SF
Kevin Garnett, PF
Kendrick Perkins, C
Magic
Jameer Nelson, PG
Jason Richardson, SG
Hedo Turkoglu, SF
Ryan Anderson, PF
Dwight Howard, C
