Ray Allen Fully Participates in Celtics Practice, Tentatively Expected to Play Against Spurs

by abournenesn

Apr 3, 2012

WALTHAM, Mass. — The Celtics' first practice in a month came at an opportune time for Ray Allen, who was able to test his sore right ankle before his imminent return to game action.

Allen fully participated in Tuesday's practice at the Celtics training facility, and the team declared him ready to play for Wednesday's game against the San Antonio Spurs barring any flare-ups.

"My legs felt great today," Allen said. "I had a shot in the ankle on gameday the other day and I had all day to let it kind of maneuver through my body. When I came out today it felt like I had two new legs."

Allen, who said he does not enjoy getting shots or even taking medicine, did not expect the shots to become a regular part of his treatment for the remainder of the season. With a grueling stretch of competition capped off by a three-game, three-night road trip, he admitted those plans could change.

Celtics coach Doc Rivers had been hopeful Allen could play as far back as a week ago, when he participated in a walkthrough March 23. Allen did not play in that night's game or either of the next two games, but the status of his ankle then was nowhere near where it was Tuesday, he said.

"Going through shootaround [last week] I was kind of favoring it, feeling it, holding it and feeling different things," Allen said. "I didn't have to deal with that at all [Tuesday]."

Rivers did not say if Avery Bradley would retain his starting spot or would return to the bench once Allen returns.

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