Celtics in big trouble now with Powe also out
The reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics have been pushed to the limit by the No. 7 Chicago Bulls through two games, with the series knotted at 1. But now the C’s might be in major jeopardy of being dumped in the first round because they face three of the next four games in Chicago and will do so without forward Leon Powe.
Powe was injured in Boston’s thrilling Game 2 victory, tearing the ACL in his left knee. Thus he will undergo a third career reconstructive surgery on that knee and will have to rehab for 6-8 months. While that’s terrible news for Boston it’s worse for the 25-year-old Powe, as he is about to enter restricted free agency. So this injury could cost him millions of dollars.
Still, Powe’s agent is trying to look on the bright side.
“I’m optimistic,” Aaron Goodwin said. “I had a similar situation with Willie Green. He was in his free agent year when he hurt his knee, and the Sixers stepped up and tendered him. Then when he proved he was all right, they signed him. We’re hoping the Celtics will do the same thing. The Celtics have always done what’s in the best interest of Leon Powe, and I think he’s rewarded their loyalty.”
But as for the Celtics’ present issues, that’s one more big man out, joining Kevin Garnett on the sideline. The Bulls’ big men of Tyrus Thomas, Joakim Noah and Brad Miller have come up big in the two games so far, and now there’s one less big body to deal with. Chicago is a 2.5-point favorite for Game e on WagerWeb.com.
Powe was the first forward off the bench, with Glen Davis starting in Garnett’s spot. Mikki Moore will likely see more playing time in Powe’s absence, and Moore has been nothing short of terrible so far in the playoffs.
Powe averaged 5 points through the first two games of the Bulls series, including 8 points and 8 rebounds in 17 minutes in Game 1. With Brian Scalabrine still hurting, the Celts simply can’t afford either Davis (who isn’t in the best of shape) or Kendrick Perkins to get into foul trouble now. In fact, Boston might go small at times with Paul Pierce at power forward.
Boston coach Doc Rivers was visibly upset after the team got the news.
“He played three minutes with a torn ACL on the floor [Monday night]. That says so much about Leon Powe the person,” Rivers said. “Forget the playoffs and all that stuff. That’s just a tough injury for a kid who’s done everything right. That just makes no sense.”
The series price on Chicago has moved significantly through two games, with it now at +160 on WagerWeb.com.
Powe also injured his right knee March 17, also against the Bulls, causing him to miss nearly a month. Rivers said that Powe’s right knee will not require surgery. Some rare good news for a hard-luck player.
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