Ponder this: Carlos Arroyo could be your starting PG Monday

[vinnie]

Here is hoping that both Rondo and Delonte can get some great treatment and experience miraculous recoveries that will allow them to play Monday night. But, if not, we could see Carlos Arroyo as the starting point guard! Few are talking about Delonte's shoulder, but he looked like he hurt it pretty badly in the first half and went directly to the locker room when they took him out. He threw up a 3-pointer that was about 5 feet short in the second half and looked uncomfortable missing 1 out of 2 free throws. Also, after the game, Doc said Delonte's shoulder is worse than we thought.

As for Rondo, I think it is going to be tough for him to be effective even if he can play Monday. I thought the heat let him off the hook by not pressuring him when he played in the 4th quarter. It was really dumb basketball on their part.

So here is the question. If Carlos Arroyo starts, can the Celtics win Monday night?

[get_banners]

Yeah...this is a real concern. Unless Rondo has a miraculous recovery, I think him playing with one arm won't work well. Delonte said he'd be fine, but it's clear he hurt the shoulder a bit. Of course, if KG plays the way he did tonight (as well as Jeff Green), we'd win with Arroyo starting.

[cman88]

Rondo and Delonte will play monday night i guarantee it....this is the playoffs. not the regular season where theyll rest these guys...considering rondo played tonight, nothings gonna stop him from playing monday

same with delonte...these guys are warriors

[vinnie]

Rondo and Delonte will play monday night i guarantee it....this is the playoffs. not the regular season where theyll rest these guys...considering rondo played tonight, nothings gonna stop him from playing monday

same with delonte...these guys are warriors

I think they both will play. The question will be, how effectively will they play.

[TitleMaster]

Folks, I want medics on Rondo for the next 48 hours, hot packs/cold packs, coritizone shots, and schedule the rests but the cycles. This is the playoffs, there's no time to fool around!

[cman88]

Rondo and Delonte will play monday night i guarantee it....this is the playoffs. not the regular season where theyll rest these guys...considering rondo played tonight, nothings gonna stop him from playing monday

same with delonte...these guys are warriors

I think they both will play. The question will be, how effectively will they play.

well, if rondo plays with the heart he did tonight, pretty effectively imo. its all about effort...the guy with a dislocated elbow stole the ball from bosh and dunked it.

im sure the doctors are treating both rondo and delonte right now to make sure they will be good for mondays game.

[mc34]

Doc didn't say Delonte's more injured than we thought. He said that its a possibility. I'm confident that Delonte will play and be effective. I'm pretty concerned about Rondo though... He'll probably play though. Its encouraging that he downplayed the injury a ton postgame, but that might just be his personality

[KGDunks]

Rondo's arm won't be as bad as it was in the fourth quarter hopefully

[Tai]

No offense vinnie, but topics like these are why people give you grief for your lack of optimism.....

ESPNForsberg Chris Forsberg
Doc expressed concern about Delonte West's shoudler. Delonte on the injury: "Still lingering, but nothing that should hold me out."

I think more important thing to ponder is whether the Heat will fold as a result of tonight.

[PosImpos]

No, they can't win if Arroyo starts . . . but I don't think he will.  Looks like Rondo may gut it out and just play fewer minutes.  Probably same for Delonte.  We may very well see Carlos out there some -- though I'm pretty sure I'd prefer them to use Ray at PG and just play Wafer.

[SHAQATTACK]

I 'm sure Rondo will play , if he is breathing.  He can't shoot with two good arms.  His job is passing and running the offense.

As important ,probally is West.  I think his injury can heal in a couple days , but it will be close.

I would be very nervous about Arroyo , he has n't played much.

I would like to see Waffer in on Wade.

At least Shaq didn't get hurt any worse.  So, he can come back next game .  Standing flatfooted in the paint , 400lb solid wall is a help, would you want Shaq to fall on you


Baby was useless once again.

[KGDunks]

Delonte looked fine hell he hit a three straight after it.

[RJ87]

I think D.West is fine - I believe he got a stinger and it lingered but I really think he'll be okay to go Monday.

The key with Rondo's elbow is how much it swells and how that will effect his range of motion in that left arm. The Celtics' staff will be all over it, I'm sure. He may not be 100% but unless that arm falls off, I fully expect him to play.

[Bahku]

Seriously doubt it ... I'd be shocked if Rondo doesn't start ... a dislocation is very painful and ugly, but as long as the ligaments remain intact and without tears, it's mainly just inflammation that neats to be treated, and a couple of days could do wonders.

Even more than that, Rondo's not about to let his team down in a Game 4 of the Playoffs unless it's a very serious injury. He said as much after the game, and I'm sure he means it and knows his body well enough to anticpate his condition, (despite the adrenaline). I also think De would get the nod before Arroyo if Shorty isn't good to go.

[GreenEnvy]

Delonte drained a 3 immediately after his injury and held down the fort after Rondo's injury in the 3rd quarter.

I don't know what Game 4 will hold, but whoever suits up, I have confidence in.