Celtics beset by questions at critical time

To call what Celtics head coach Doc Rivers is trying to do “a balancing act” would be an understatement. On one hand, the Green have been decimated by injuries, while on the other, the Celtics sit within striking distance of the Cleveland Cavilers, and just above the third-place Orlando Magic. What is a coach to do?Should the defending champs go “all-in” and run Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, who are both still healthy, until they can’t run anymore? Or should the Celtics’ aging stars have their minutes tempered a bit in hopes of keeping them fresh for the playoffs?Celtics captain Paul Pierce clearly favors resting up for the Celtics’ playoff run.”I think you’ll see Doc get us more and more rest,” Pierce said, “so hopefully down the stretch, in the games, he’ll save us a little bit more for the playoffs.”Still another question weighing on the minds of the Celtics’ brass is: When is the right time to bring back Kevin Garnett? Garnett has made it clear that if these were playoff games, he would be on the court. As the Celtics continue to play inconsistent basketball, the rumblings for Garnett’s return have reached a deafening pace.Even so, Rivers is in no hurry, saying, “If we get home-court (advantage) and Kevin’s not right, then we’re not winning, anyway. I’m going to be patient, and I’m not going to rush anyone back.” However, Rivers does see Garnett’s return on the horizon. “He’s getting louder and louder in our practices, so that tells you his return is coming soon,” Rivers said. “I’m really happy with him and Baby (Glen Davis). I would assume they would be back for the San Antonio game. I think Baby and Kevin have about a 50 percent chance to play Friday.”There is still one more factor to getting the Celtics right for a run through May and into June, and that is getting Garnett, Brian Scalabrine, Tony Allen, Davis, and rookie Bill Walker used to playing with newcomers Stephon Marbury and Mikki Moore.Yes, Rivers has his hands full; however, this is no time for the Green to sulk about their recent woes. As Rivers said, it is time for a little desperation.”We’re playing desperate teams,” he said. “Milwaukee’s desperate. Chicago’s desperate. We’re not, but we should be.”A little desperation, a little rest, and a lot of health could be just what the doctor ordered to get the Celtics right before their playoff run.