Greg

Stiemsma

Stiemsma played 19 minutes, but Doc Rivers acknowledged that he’s playing hurt. “Greg is really struggling,” he said. “We didn’t let him go through shootaround, and I had to take him out of the game the other night.” The Celtics need Stiemsma right now as the only true center on the roster and playing behind Kevin Garnett, and this injury should have Danny Ainge rapidly working the phone lines to bring in another big man as soon as possible.

In his last five games he’s averaging four points, four rebounds, 1.6 steals and 2.6 blocks per game. It’s hard to imagine owners being able to overcome the four points per game (he scored one point on Wednesday), but the steals and blocks might work in some deeper Roto leagues.

“Oh yeah, absolutely,” he said. “I’d love to come back.” The Steamer has dealt with foul trouble when he’s been on the floor at times, but his 5.39 blocks per 48 minutes is impressive and ranks second in the NBA.

Stiemsma is in fantasy lineups for steals and blocks, and bounced back after Tuesday’s disaster.

He is reportedly going to be available for Game 1 of the playoffs, and nothing we’ve heard has indicated the injury is serious. Long-term, however, it’ll definitely be something to watch.

“We’re going to play our guys Thursday...it would be nice to put some more pressure and force Atlanta to have to win,” Rivers said. Kevin Garnett was out with a sore hip flexor on Tuesday, and Ray Allen (ankle) and Rajon Rondo (back) wouldn’t have played in any situation due to their injuries. Expect Greg Stiemsma and KG to be back on Thursday, and look for Rondo to play if his back allows him to. Allen’s ankle injury is a different animal, and it appears that he might be done until the playoffs, but he hasn’t been ruled out for the finale, either.

Plantar fasciitis is never a term anyone wants hear associated with basketball players, but Stiemsma didn’t sound overly concerned and has been playing through it for a little while. His status is undecided for Thursday’s game, but he should be ready to play in the postseason.

Stiemsma is definitely worth an add in 8- and 9-cat leagues if you need a big man, as over the past two weeks he has averaged 1.5 steals and 2.9 blocks to go with about four points and four boards per game. During that time he has played just 18 minutes per contest, but the Celtics have practically no depth and that gives Stiemsma some degree of playing time security.

Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it’s expected that his contract is for the remainder of the regular season. He will give Boston some much needed frontline depth behind Kevin Garnett and Greg Stiemsma.

Stiemsma has been battling issues with his feet since March, but he’s been playing through the concern and hasn’t missed time with the injury. The D-League product has played in 55 games this season, averaging 1.6 blocks in just 14 minutes per game.