The Boston Celtics have begun their trip to Atlanta to face the Hawks on Friday. Players not on the plane with the team include: Ray Allen, Mickael Pietrus and Rajon Rondo (via Boston Herald).

All three missed the C's last game on Wednesday at the TD Garden against the Orlando Magic. Boston won, 102-98, and took home their fifth consecutive Atlantic Division title. Allen has been battling a swollen right ankle, Pietrus has swelling in his right knee and Rondo has had back spasms.

The trio represents 35.9% of Boston's points per game, 28.6% of the rebounding per game and 61.3% of the assists per game. Of the three injuries, Allen's has caused the most concern to the team. An MRI done on his ankle two weeks ago came back negative yet the swelling has persisted.

Allen said about the ankle this week

"It was fine, there was no structural damage," he said earlier this week. "From what I could see, the only other course might to take an X-Ray."

The NBA Playoffs are scheduled to begin on April 28.

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