Celtics fans received confirmation they would be without starting center Kendrick Perkins for Game 7 of the Finals Thursday, as he tore two knee ligaments early in Game 6 against the Lakers. Perkins is looked at by his peers as one of the true unsung heroes on the team, doing all the little things to help his team win. Without Perkins Tuesday, the Celtics interior defense was handicapped, and foul trouble hindered first option Rasheed Wallace.
Knowing they will be without Perkins heading into Game 7, Doc Rivers may look to change things up. Boston will definitely call on Kevin Garnett to give one more all-time performance, likely in excess of 40 minutes, barring foul trouble. They also will seek Rasheed Wallace, Shelden Williams, and Glen Davis to defend Pau Gasol throughout the game, thus freeing up Garnett to roam the paint and help out on Andrew Bynum. The Lakers, meanwhile, will have to continue to look at ways they can penetrate the paint, and get the Boston bigs in foul trouble early. Should Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom, and Shannon Brown be able to slice through the lane with ease like they did in Game 6, the Celtics will be in for a long night.
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