WALTHAM -- A quiet day of news and notes following the Celtics' practice session Tuesday at the Sports Authority Training Center at HealthPoint:

Scal returns to practice



Celtics forward Brian Scalabrine returned to practice Tuesday and deemed himself fit to return to action when Boston travels for a grueling back-to-back later this week in Orlando and Atlanta. Scalabrine has missed the past two games with an AC sprain in his right shoulder, which he originally suffered at the beginning of the month, but gutted out with Kevin Garnett sidelined.

"I practiced today and felt fine," said Scalabrine. "I've just got to get my timing back."

Scalabrine noted the injury wasn't too serious, despite reports of severe pain. When a reporter joked that rumors made it sound like his arm was falling off, Scalabrine joked back, referencing a rumored Monta Ellis-for-Ray Allen swap.

"You shouldn't believe everything you read. I heard Monta Ellis was going to get traded yesterday," Scalabrine said with a smile. "No credible sources any more, I guess."

Celtics coach Doc Rivers noted that Scalabrine went through practice and looked fine, before adding a jab of his own.

"Scal put up a couple of airballs, so we knew he was back," said Rivers.

Rivers also noted that Marquis Daniels participated in his first passing drills since having his cast removed. It's another step in the progress of Daniels, who might return in time for the New Orleans game before the All-Star break.

Giddens update

Celtics guard J.R. Giddens, who suffered a minor left knee injury Sunday while on assignment with the Maine Red Claws of the NBA Development League, Tweeted that he would likely sit out a game Wednesday in Idaho to rest the knee. Giddens played only seven minutes Sunday after suffering the injury, but returned Monday night against Utah to score a team-high 22 points on 8-of-9 shooting in Maine's 107-84 triumph over the Flash.

Wrote Giddens (@jgidd4) via Twitter on Tuesday morning:

Just about to fly out 2 idaho doubt ill play gonna rest my knee almost got taken out tryin to dunk last nite landed wrong

Community corner

Ray Allen, Tony Allen and Shelden Williams spoke Tuesday morning at Rogers Middle School in Hyde Park as part of a stay-in-school assembly to honor high-achieving students. The Celtics stress PRIDE (Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Decisions, Education) during these assemblies.

"Taking pride in education is very important for students,” said Ray Allen. “By making the right decisions and trying their best in the classroom, these children can accomplish anything.”