JaJuan

Johnson

Wilcox was not expected to play after injuring himself in Monday’s game and is not considered a lock to return after the All-Star break. The veteran has been banged up quite a bit this season but had done a good job filling in for Kevin Garnett recently. Wilcox being on the sidelines thins out the Celtics even further with Rajon Rondo (suspension) also out. JaJuan Johnson stands to take Wilcox’s role in the rotation.

Garnett is getting some rest along with Paul Pierce. Greg Stiemsma, Ryan Hollins, JaJuan Johnson and even the freshly-signed Sean Williams should all see minutes, but owners in standard-sized leagues should be able to do better than any of those guys.

Pietrus leaves with four points, two rebounds, and a steal in 12 minutes of action, and we’re still hoping to get a positive report on his health as it looked pretty serious. It will be up to Keyon Dooling, Marquis Daniels, JaJuan Johnson, Sasha Pavlovic, and E’Twaun Moore to pick up the slack. None of them stands out as an emerging fantasy option if Pietrus’ injury is serious.

The Celtics have not disclosed the personal matter Wilcox is dealing with, but it sounds like he’ll be a true game-time decision. Wilcox has been the first big man off the bench without Jermaine O’Neal in the lineup, and if he can’t play, it would be a big blow to Boston’s rotation. Greg Stiemsma would likely see an increase in minutes if Wilcox can’t go, while JaJuan Johnson could also garner some playing time. However, neither are recommended short-term plays.

They’re good to go and in camp, although neither player is expected to make a big impact in Boston this season.

Garnett tweaked his hip in Sunday’s win against Chicago. With Brandon Bass (knee) already out until the All-Star break, the Celtics will rely heavily on Chris Wilcox and both JaJuan Johnson and Greg Stiemsma to a lesser extent. Jermaine O’Neal (shoulder) may be asked to play extended minutes. For now, the 35-year-old Garnett is considered day-to-day.

What’s more, KG is listed as the probable starter in Doc Rivers’ lineup card, and he’s on the active roster. Chris Wilcox and JaJuan Johnson would be leaned on heavily if KG can’t suit up, but his hip flexor clearly isn’t a very serious injury. Stay tuned for the final word on his status.

Johnson has spot-starting appeal in very deep leagues for however long Kevin Garnett (hip) is out. Beyond that, there’s nothing to see.

Johnson lost his spot-starting appeal once the Celtics frontcourt got healthy, and we’ll let you know if he hits the fantasy radar again.

Good idea. Johnson will get eaten alive on the low block unless he bulks up a bit, and he knows it. “I definitely want to add more weight,” Johnson said. He shouldn’t be on the fantasy radar with several other players ahead of him in the rotation during his rookie season.