Celts Hope to Gain Ground while Moses Injured

1983-84 Boston Celtics
Record: 22-7
12/25/1983

If you're interested in watching the Celtics pick up some ground on the Philadelphia 76ers in the high-level Atlantic Division chase, pay attention for the next few days.The Sixers played without Malone in Detroit Friday night. He turned an ankle against San Antonio Wednesday and left practice on crutches Thursday. Philadelphia's trainer has estimated that Malone might be out for a couple of weeks. Couple Malone's ankle injury with Philly's schedule, and there might be some light for the Celtics. The Sixers leave for Kansas City tomorrow and won't return until they've played games in Denver, Seattle, Portland, Golden State and Milwaukee. The Milwukee game is the start of a three-cities-in- three-nights hat trick for the world champs.Before you get too excited, however, remember that the ever-indominable Malone might be back as early as Tuesday, and the Celtics' next four games are in San Antonio, Houston, Dallas and New Jersey.

MISC

Any team but Washington or New York in the first round, please: In two games against Washington, the Celtics have been outrebounded, 92-63. Boston has a pitiful total of 10 offensive rebounds (five in each game) against the Bullets this year.