Bradley, Pietrus will start in backcourt

ATLANTA -- Without Rajon Rondo, who is serving a one-game suspension for bumping official Marc Davis in Game 1, the Celtics will start Avery Bradley and Mickael Pietrus at guard for Game 2 against the Hawks. Ray Allen remains a game-time decision, but coach Doc Rivers said that Allen didn't do much in Monday's practice due to his ankle injury. With Rondo out, the Celtics anticipate the Hawks will try to pressure Bradley.

"We’re going to have to help him," Rivers said. "He has improved, obviously at that position but he’s more comfortable at the other position. Paul [Pierce] will have to do some ballhandling duties to help out. We anticipate them pressuring him -- that’s what they do – to try and speed Avery up and we can’t allow that."

Rivers also said that Keyon Dooling could see some time with Bradley to help with ballhandling duties.

"Keyon and Avery will play at times if we feel they’re pressuring is taking us out of our stuff," Rivers said. "That’s where losing Rondo hurts you. He’s really only our only true point guard."

As for Pietrus he said he would play his game and wouldn't necessarily look to score more just because he's in the starting lineup.

"It’s depending on how the game goes," Pietrus said. "I don’t project myself, say I have to bring more points for the team. I just have to be Mickael Pietrus, bring the all-around game: rebounding, defense. I’m not putting any extra pressure on myself. Yeah, I have to score. Yeah, I have to eat some chicken. Yeah, I have to eat some beef. At the end of the day it’s basketball."  

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