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Shorthanded Celtics to face Wade, Heat

Mar 11, 2009 - 6:15 AM Boston (49-15) at Miami (34-29) 7:30 p.m. EDT

MIAMI (Ticker) -- The Boston Celtics will be missing five players due to injury when they face Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat on Wednesday.

With Kevin Garnett (knee), Tony Allen (thumb) and Brian Scalabrine (concussion) each dealing with long-term injuries, the Celtics have continued to roll because players like Rajon Rondo and Glen Davis have increased their production.

Unfortunately both Rondo and Davis sprained their right ankles over the weekend and will miss the game against Miami. Leon Powe will likely see increased time at forward while Stephon Marbury should log his most time since joining Boston on February 27.

The Celtics would have counted on Rondo and Allen to stop Wade, who has thrust himself into the discussion for league MVP.

Wade scored 48 points in Monday's 130-127 double overtime win over the Chicago Bulls. He nailed a 3-pointer to force the first overtime and stole the ball and drove the length of the court before throwing in a running 3-pointer at the end of the second overtime to give the Heat the win.

The superstar guard is averaging 37.4 points over his last nine games.