WALTHAM, Mass. -- On the day that Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo returned to the court, Kendrick Perkins and Eddie House were sidelined by a bout with the flu.

Pierce and Rondo could rejoin the starting lineup Wednesday night in Miami as the Celtics kick off a three-game road trip (though Celtics coach Doc Rivers noted that Rondo is more of a game-time decision). Perkins is expected to travel with the team this afternoon, but House is still nursing a fever and will likely not travel.

"The circus continues," joked Celtics coach Doc Rivers, who also returned to practice after missing Monday's session due to a personal matter.

"Paul looked good, Rondo you couldn't tell because he didn't do much. So we'll see [Wednesday]. I think he's going to go, but I wouldn't write that down in pen, for sure. Paul probably will [play Wednesday], that's what it looks like. So that would help us a lot. Just getting one of those guys back, I'd be happy. Both would be absolutely fantastic."

Rivers sounded less optimistic about Perkins and House, considering league rules about players with fevers, especially in light of the H1N1 this year.

"The league has really pressed upon us that, if a guy has a fever, he has to stay away from the team, because he's contagious at that point," said Rivers.

Rivers indicated Kevin Garnett is also likely to travel with the team, but is unlikely to play as he recovers from a hyperextended right knee.