The Celtics were already without one center in Shaquille O'Neal, who's still yet to return. Now they're lacking another, with Nenad Krstic back in Boston for an MRI on his injured knee. That leaves an undersized power forward playing the five-spot on Friday night against the Hawks.
That's right — Glen Davis is expected to start at center for the Celtics on Friday. Jermaine O'Neal is also available, but with his conditioning still a work in progress and the team playing in the second game of a back-to-back, Big Baby will get the start. J.O. will come off the bench and play 10 to 15 minutes for C's coach Doc Rivers.
Davis has started 10 games for the Celtics this season. He's averaged 13.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 34.7 minutes in those games; the Celtics are 5-4.
For the Hawks, Jason Collins is expected to get the start at center. Al Horford and Josh Smith, the team's two primary bigs, are expected to slide to the forward positions, as Marvin Williams comes off the bench for Hawks coach Larry Drew.
Here's the lineup card for C's-Hawks:
Celtics
Rajon Rondo, PG
Ray Allen, SG
Paul Pierce, SF
Kevin Garnett, PF
Glen Davis, C
Hawks
Kirk Hinrich, PG
Joe Johnson, SG
Josh Smith, SF
Al Horford, PF
Jason Collins, C
