Jiri

Welsch

Welsch would still get minutes behind Ricky Davis and Paul Pierce, too. He’s one Celtics injury away from having fantasy value.

Coach Doc Rivers isn’t ready to trust Marcus Banks or Delonte West with the important role. Welsch playing in the backcourt assures Ricky Davis of starting at small forward.

Welsch took a Derek Fisher elbow on Dec. 6. He missed the two free throws from that foul and went a combined 6-for-21 (0-for-8 on treys) in Portland and Seattle, but says he’s feeling much better now. He played 36 minutes last night, scoring 10 points.

Coach Doc Rivers said Welsch is still expected to start tonight.

Interesting, since Welsch has been viewed as a Danny Ainge favorite, and a key to the future, even if only as a reserve. The biggest rumor right now has the Celtics and Timberwolves swapping Welsch, Gary Payton, and Mark Blount for Sam Cassell, Ervin Johnson, Ndudi Ebi and a first-round draft pick. Both sides laughed that one off, however.

Welsch, out with a right quad bruise, said he has improved and he hopes to return on Wednesday against Seattle.

Welsch took an elbow to the face in the first quarter. All of his points came on 7-of-9 shooting in the second half.

“Jiri’s been kind of playing hurt all season,” coach John Carroll said. “He’s just a tough kid, and when he actually asks to have an extra day off, I’m going to do it.” Welsch shouldn’t miss any time.

Welsch played 22 minutes, going 2-for-2 from the floor with one rebound. Jumaine Jones, the favorite to start before hamstring problems sidetracked his preseason, was a DNP-CD. When Raef LaFrentz returns, the Celtics may finally settle on a lineup of Mike James, Paul Pierce, Eric Williams, LaFrentz, and Mark Blount.

Welsch twisted his ankle in Wednesday’s game. He’s been starting at small forward and shifting to point guard. O’Brien pointed out: ''When Jiri was on at the point (Wednesday), we shot 12-for-13. So right now Jiri’s moving the basketball. He’s 6-7, he can see over the top of people and he’s making timely passes.’'