BOSTON - Greg Stiemsma will make his first career start for the Boston Celtics when the C's host the Washington Wizards in the finale of a home-and-home, back-to-back series on Monday night at TD Garden.
Stiemsma, the NBADL Defensive Player of the Year last season, was invited to Celtics training camp and made the team over fellow bigs Michael Sweetney, Jamal Sampson and swingman Gilbert Brown. Stiemsma has played in three games for the Celtics this season, averaging 2.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.3 blocks. In his first game, Stiemsma had six blocks in a loss to the New Orleans Hornets.
Jermaine O'Neal suffered an injury on Sunday in the win over the Wizards, which according to Celtics head coach Doc Rivers wasn't serious, and will be inactive for Monday's game. Chris Wilcox, who was dealing with a shoulder injury, will return to action tonight. In two games, Wilcox has averaged 2.0 points and 3.0 rebounds for Boston.
For more Boston Celtics coverage, visit our team page and blog, CelticsBlog.