Based on the timetable, Garnett may not be able to play in Eastern Conference showdowns against Cleveland (March 6) or Orlando (March 8).
Garnett was injured Thursday as he went to catch a lob from Paul Pierce late in the first half of a 90-85 loss to the Utah Jazz. Garnett immediately went to the locker room, then briefly returned for halftime warm-ups, but was held out of the second half.
Though Garnett expressed a desire to continue playing, coach Doc Rivers ruled against him. Rivers, trainer Ed Lacerte, and Ainge discussed several options, then decided to err on the side of caution.
Earlier yesterday, Ainge said the only way to eliminate the temptation for Garnett to return to action prematurely would be to send him home.
"We're just being cautious," Ainge said. "We think he's OK. It's been bothering him for a little bit and we just didn't want him to play [Thursday] night. We want to make sure he's OK and, with Kevin, you've got to get him out of town."
The Celtics face the Suns tomorrow, visit Denver Monday, and the Los Angeles Clippers Wednesday. Without Garnett and Tony Allen (thumb surgery), the Celtics have only 11 healthy players. Brian Scalabrine likely will start in Garnett's absence.
Ainge said he is not considering signing anyone to a 10-day contract as a stopgap replacement for Garnett, nor is he accelerating plans to add free agents. The Celtics have two roster spots open after dealing guard Sam Cassell and center Patrick O'Bryant before Thursday's trade deadline.
"This is not anything we've got to react to," Ainge said. "We'll stick to the same game plan as far as adding people to our roster. We're not changing anything."
The Celtics might have interest in Oklahoma City forward Joe Smith or suspended Knicks guard Stephon Marbury, both of whom may get bought out of their contracts. Seven-foot forward-center Mikki Moore, who has attracted attention from several teams (including the Celtics), was waived by the Kings.
After Thursday's game, Rivers said, "[Garnett] wanted to run and I just said no. We have a long season and I'm not taking a risk putting him on the floor.
"We would have loved to have him, obviously. It probably would have made a difference. Unless he's close to 100 percent, I'd rather have him healthy for the playoffs."
