By A.Sherrod Blakely
CSNNE.com
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- After the Celtics lost to the Miami Heat on Sunday, the second seed in the Eastern Conference is further from reach, and the Celtics starting lineup has changed accordingly.
With the Celtics hoping to have a well-rested roster for the playoffs, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo will all sit out of Monday's game against the Washington Wizards. The Celtics' staff was hoping Paul Pierce would sit out as well, but he is lobbying Doc Rivers to play. The Celts' captain dressed and warmed up with the team, but whether or not he plays still remains to be seen.
Jeff Green, Delonte West and Glen Davis will start in place of the three members of the Big Four who are definitely out.
A. Sherrod Blakely can be reached atsblakely@comcastsportsnet.com.Follow Sherrod on Twitter at http:twitter.comsherrodbcsn