Celtics are Beat Up and Tired

1983-84 Boston Celtics
Record 46-15
3/9/1984

MILWAUKEE

Bill Fitch, Bobby Knight, Lou Gossett and George C. Scott would have cringed watching yesterday's Celtics practice. It was a light workout - even by K. C. Jones' standards. The Celtics loosened up with Michael Jackson and 15 minutes of aerobics, walked through plays for a half hour, then called it a day after pausing for some of trainer Ray Melchiorre's 39th birthday cake. "We've got some tired people," Jones said after practice. "I watched films of last night's game, and I could see how tired they are - Gerald, Dennis, Robert, Kevin, Max."

Tonight (9 o'clock) in Milwaukee, the Celtics will play their third game in four nights. This is where they were humilitated, 106-87, on national television on Jan. 15. They have lost seven of their last 10 to Milwaukee, including five straight at the Mecca. Meanwhile, Larry Bird (sub scapula bursitis), Danny Ainge (jammed neck), Dennis Johnson (bruised knee) and Kevin McHale (turned ankle) are coming back from injuries.

"This is the time you go light," said Jones. The Bucks have won six of seven, 13 of 16 and are 21-7 at home. Milwaukee placed ex-Celtics point guard Tiny Archibald (pulled right hamstring) on the injured list yesterday and signed free-agent guard Mike Dunleavy. A seven-year veteran, Dunleavy played out his contract with the San Antonio Spurs last spring. Center Bob Lanier has missed only eight of 63 games thus far. Mr. Wounded Knee is averaging 28 minutes per game and played 36 against New Jersey Wednesday. He's flanked by Alton Lister and Marques Johnson (20.2 ppg).

All-Star guard Sidney Moncrief is leading the league in minutes (40.2 per game) and leads the Bucks in scoring (22.6 ppg), rebounding (7.0), and assists (4.6). Let's not forget that he was named NBA defensive player of the year last season. He's starting with Paul Pressey. "I'd like to beat them in Milwaukee," Jones said yesterday. "After the way they beat us in the playoffs last year (a memorable 4-0), their mental outlook is that they have our number."

MISC

The Celtics are seeking their fifth consecutive victory . . . The Celtics are shooting only 45 percent against the Bucks in three games. Robert Parish (20-42, 38 percent), McHale (12-30, 40 percent), DJ (4-14, 34 percent) and Bird (19-44, 43 percent) have struggled against Milwaukee . . . Ainge says he's ready to play, and Jones says he's ready to use him . . . Parish has snapped out of his slump with 22.3 points per game on 57 percent (28-49) shooting in his last three games.