Celtics' Rondo expected to play against Knicks

BOSTON (AP) - Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo is expected to return for Friday's game against New York after missing the last eight with a right wrist injury.

Coach Doc Rivers said about 45 minutes before game time that he thought Rondo would play.

Rondo was injured when he took an awkward fall and landed with his wrist under his back on a flagrant foul by Toronto's Linas Kleiza on Jan. 18.

The Celtics are 6-2 without Rondo. He was wearing a brace on his wrist while shooting and taking free throws on the floor about 90 minutes before the scheduled start.