Doc expects Rajon Rondo for Game 4

Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers expressed optimism about the potential for guards Rajon Rondo (dislocated left elbow) and Delonte West (left shoulder bruise) to be available for Game 4 of an Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Miami Heat, but admitted the team probably wouldn't know until game time whether both players definitely could play Monday night.

Regardless of whether the duo can be effective on the floor if limited by injury, Rivers said there's no excuses moving forward.

"I'm optimistic about both, that they're going to play," Rivers said. "I don't know why I am, but I am. I just don't know how well either one can play. But like I've said, if you're on the floor, you're healthy, and that's the way it's been. That's been my motto since I've been here and our guys believe that."

Results of an MRI and CAT scan were all negative on Rondo's left elbow. Rondo dislocated the elbow in Saturday night's playoff game after crashing to the court in a tangle with Heat guard Dwyane Wade.

"I think it was Kevin [Garnett] actually who said it, what I always say, 'If you're in uniform, you're healthy. If you're not healthy, you're not in uniform.' That's how we always viewed it," Rivers said. "And we will make no excuses [Monday]. [Monday] is a playoff game, it's Game 4, and we have to win. That's all we have to think about."

Rivers stressed that the Celtics might not truly know the status of both players until Monday's game when they'll undergo the more discerning eyeball test. Rivers said as long as the players are not hurting themselves or the team, he expects them to play if physically able.

Ray Allen wasn't about to tip his team's hand in regards to whether Rondo might be able to play in Game 4.

"I have no opinion on that," said Allen. "Obviously, [Sunday] is a whole day that you have to rest, so that's going to be up to him."

Asked whether Rondo could get through a whole game with only one arm truly available, Allen said: "You've got to ask him that."

Elsewhere on the injury front, Shaquille O'Neal (right calf/Achilles) experienced expected soreness after logging 8½ minutes in Game 3, his first game action since April 3 (and only his second appearance since Feb. 1). Rivers said he expects the 39-year-old center to be available for Game 4.

"It's day to day with Shaq and his body, and his life in the NBA, but I do think he'll be able to [provide a similar effort to Game 3]," said Rivers.