Game Links: Cavaliers 88, Celtics 87

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Pregame – C’s Get a Boost with Allen’s Return

The Celtics will get at least one of their three injured starters back for tonight’s game against the Cavaliers, and it may wind up turning into two.

Ray Allen, who has missed the past three games with a jammed left ankle, will return to the lineup and start at shooting guard tonight. He says that he’s feeling by far the best that he has since injuring the ankle a week ago.

Boston may still be missing two other starters, though, as Rajon Rondo (right wrist) is definitely out and Jermaine O’Neal (left knee) is questionable. Rondo is close to returning, but the C’s are taking their time in getting him back into the lineup. The hope is that he will be available for Tuesday night’s game in Cleveland.

O’Neal may be in the starting lineup when the ball is tossed up tonight, but he may also be dressed in street clothes. Doc Rivers called it “50-50” that O’Neal would play tonight, and he made that proclamation about 50 minutes prior to tip off. When a player’s availability is still questionable less than an hour before tipoff, it typically means that he won’t be available. We’ll have to wait and see if that trend is bucked tonight and O’Neal makes it into the lineup.