BOSTON - Ray Allen will not play for the Boston Celtics on Friday night in their game against the New Jersey Nets at TD Garden, with C's head coach Doc Rivers telling reporters before the game that Allen is fighting a sickness.
"We're pretty good expect for Ray, no Ray tonight," Rivers said. "He's sick. You can't say other words, you have to say sick."
Allen missed some time earlier in the season with the flu and also with the birth of his newborn baby gril. Allen has played in 30 games this season for the Celtics, all of which he has started, and is averaging 14.8 points and 3.0 rebounds. Allen is shooting a career-best .486 from three-point range this season.
Jermaine O'Neal also remains on the sidelines, as he has a sprained left wrist. Rivers said that O'Neal is still considering what to do, as reports surfaced that he will need surgery.
"I just think he's thinking through his options," said Rivers. "He's going to have to have surgery it looks like at some points. We've got to figure out if we can get through it or not. We're just going to wait and see what he decides."
For more Celtics and Nets coverage, visit our blogs, CelticsBlog and Nets Daily.