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Pregame – KG is a Game-Time Decision; Pietrus Will Play

Were they really doubtful yesterday, Doc?

Following Tuesday’s practice session in Waltham, Mass., Doc Rivers told reporters that Kevin Garnett and Mickael Pietrus were both doubtful to play in tonight’s game against the Detroit Pistons. Rivers went as far as to say that Garnett had the better chance at playing, but those chances were only “50-50.” On top of that, Jermaine O’Neal’s status was uncertain as well.

Well, a lot must have changed overnight, because it sounds as if both will be in the lineup tonight. Pietrus will definitely be on the floor, as Rivers just announced, and Garnett was labeled as a game-time decision. Both of those players participated in this morning’s shootaround, and the good news is that Garnett’s strained hip flexor responded well to the workout.

That response prompted reports this morning saying that Garnett was upgraded to probable for tonight’s game. Rivers told us that KG will go through a quick treatment session with head trainer Eddie Lacerte to make sure that the hip flexor has not flared up since this morning’s shootaround.

Garnett did not show up to the arena until about 55 minutes before tipoff, and he likely went right in to Lacerte to go through those tests. If fall goes well with his session with Lacerte, we’ll see Garnett in the starting lineup, and that’s a huge boost. If he does not play tonight, look for Chris Wilcox to get the start at power forward.