Rondo will start tonight vs. Knicks

February 03, 2012|By Gary Washburn, Globe Staff

By Gary Washburn, Globe Staff

After a pre-game workout and a positive session this morning at shootaround, Rajon Rondo was cleared to return to the lineup tonight after missing eight games with a sprained right wrist. Rondo will be in the starting lineup against the New York Knicks, giving the Celtics an extra boost in an important game.

The Celtics went 6-2 in Rondo's absence but Celtics coach Doc Rivers said the team was hurt in fourth quarters because he had to simplify the offense for Avery Bradley and E'Twaun Moore.

Rondo was a game-time decision but he worked out with strength and conditioning coach Brian Doo and assistant coach Armond Hill and received clearance.

"He hasn't had a lot of practice, like zero," Rivers said. "Your eyes will tell you and hopefully we'll make the right choice. He's healthy, it's just timing. He's got to get his timing back with the guys."