Questions for the Stretch

February 5, 1980

Odd, isn't it, that in a season of such continual success the Celtics should emerge from the All-Star break with such an air of uncertainty as they prepare for the remaining 29 games of the season? First, there is the matter of Dave Cowens' availability. The center hyperextended his right big toe two weeks ago tonight and missed the final six games prior to the All-Star game. Though the team has done very well without him (5-1), Bill Fitch would feel a lot safer tomorrow night against Philadelphia, and its superb front line, if Cowens were in the lineup.

Any Boston-Philadelphia confrontation is legitimately classified as a Big Game, since winning the Atlantic Division and thus avoiding participation in the playoff mini-series is a matter of no small importance. It is not inconceivable that the clubs could wind up deadlocked at the end of the season. The first tiebreaker would be the season's series, which the 76ers lead by a 2-1 margin. That being the case, having Cowens back is advisable.

The second interesting item is Pete Maravich. He will be activated soon, and decisions must be made. Someone on the present roster must be moved, and playing time must be made for The Pistol when he does join the club. He worked out with the team last night in the first practice since the All-Star break, and if he looked good enough it's conceivable he would be activated by the end of the week.

What complicates the situation is the recent strong play of Gerald Henderson, who has made many significant recent contributions. Who knows? Perhaps Pete and Henderson will team up to form an explosive Celtic backcourt tandem.

The Celtics will play two more home games this week before heading westward for a five-game jaunt next week. Indiana will be here with newly acquired George McGinnis on Friday, while the Detroit Pistons will make their second Garden appearance on Sunday afternoon.

While the All-Star break gave Cowens some valuable time to heal, it was unfortunate that a hot team had to cease playing for a while. The Celtics had recaptured the passing magic of October and November in victories over Chicago, Cleveland and Washington and the truth is that they wanted to keep right on playing, Cowens or no Cowens.