By A. Sherrod Blakely
CSNNE.com
BOSTONAs expected, Kevin Garnett will suit up for the Boston Celtics tonight against the Orlando Magic.
Garnett, out since suffering a muscle strain ins lower right leg, missed nine games for the Celtics with the injury.
While the Celtics will certainly monitor Garnett's minutes, C's coach Doc Rivers said that there are no limitations as far as how much Garnett will play tonight.
His return does not come as a surprise to Magic coach Stan Van Gundy, whose game plan for tonight included Garnett starting.
"They have more size when he's there," Van Gundy said. "He's a great defender, anyway. And then he brings a lot of size to the table. They're a lot bigger. Kevin's length is huge for them defensively."
Magic forward Brandon Bass, who will begin tonight's game matched up against Garnett, doesn't believe the long layoff will impact Garnett's game.
Boston Celtics
"He's a great player," Bass told CSNNE.com. "It doesn't' matter how long he's out. Kevin Garnett is always going to be a tough challenge for you."
Rivers also confirmed that the Celtics will also have Shaquille O'Neal available tonight. He suffered an adductor strain injury and did not practice on Sunday.
A. Sherrod Blakely can be reached at sblakely@comcastsportsnet.com. Follow Sherrod on Twitter at http:twitter.comsherrodbcsn