Among the main Celtic goals for their remaining regular-season games is to get Tony Allen back into a consistent role. Allen's play has been spotty of late, and coach Doc Rivers said it's a key for the team to get him ready to be a defensive stopper off the bench in the playoffs.

But the coach said there is a limit to what he's willing to do. Asked if he will use Allen more down the stretch, Rivers said: "Well, if he plays better. He has to play better. I want to give Tony more playing time, but I'm not just going to give it to him for my health. He's going to have to earn it."

Allen has clearly had trouble coming back from major knee surgery, but the club believes he should be past that problem by now.
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