Shaquille O’Neal Still Out, Nenad Krstic Gets Third Straight Start for Celtics Against Suns

The Celtics returned home to the TD Garden on Wednesday night hoping to add two big men — Troy Murphy, who signed with the team Tuesday, and Shaquille O'Neal, who's on the mend from an Achilles injury.

As it turns out, Murphy is in the building and available to play, but he won't start. Shaq won't be present at the Garden on Tuesday night. That leaves Nenad Krstic starting for the third consecutive game.

Krstic has averaged 10.0 points and 5.5 rebounds over his first two games in Celtic green, wins over the Clippers and Jazz. He makes his home debut against the Suns on Wednesday. Murphy may see minutes as Krstic's backup.

The Suns will stick with their usual starting five. No surprises on the visitors' side.

Here's the lineup card for C's-Suns:

Celtics
Rajon Rondo, PG
Ray Allen, SG
Paul Pierce, SF
Kevin Garnett, PF
Nenad Krstic, C

Suns
Steve Nash, PG
Vince Carter, SG
Grant Hill, SF
Channing Frye, PF
Robin Lopez, C