BOSTON -- Greetings from TD Garden, where the Boston Celtics host the New Jersey Nets in their eighth and final preseason game Wednesday night.

The Celtics are expected to trot out their starters -- Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Shaquille O'Neal -- for regular-season-like stints in the first half, but coach Doc Rivers suggested Tuesday that it may be a short night for them (though his starters have successfully lobbied for more court time in recent games).

As Rivers noted Tuesday, neither Delonte West nor Jermaine O'Neal is expected to play. Avery Bradley is likely to remain sidelined as well after sitting out Tuesday's practice.

"In the first half, they're going to play pretty strong minutes," said Rivers. "In the second half, probably not a lot."

Said Garnett: "Any time we touch the floor we expect to get better. [Wednesday] will be no different from that. We’re still working out the kinks. New guys still getting acclimated."

So what exactly is Rivers looking for?

"For us, it's just simple execution," said Rivers. "Things that we should know at this point. And for our younger guys, it's minutes."

Minutes that could help Rivers and Co. decipher how this final roster spot will shake down. Von Wafer and Stephane Lasme remain in a dogfight for the final roster spot, though Rivers admitted Wafer has come on strong as of late -- at least in the offensive end.

"We've got to make a decision [Wednesday], we'll probably make it after the game," said Rivers. "It's been a couple of guys, we'll figure it out.

"[Wafer] has been more aggressive offensively, but he still has to buy in defensively and he has to buy into the culture. I think he'll do that. He's getting better."

For Mario West and recent addition Tiny Gallon -- who will wear No. 63 (Shaq's number in reverse) -- the writing is pretty much on the wall, but they can still make an impression on the Celtics and other potential employers. Maine Red Claws coach Austin Ainge was at the Garden for Tuesday's open practice for season-ticket holders, undoubtedly getting a look at some of the guys who could be funneled his way utilizing the new D-League allocation rules (three final camp cuts can be signed to the Red Claws if they agree to D-League contracts).

More to come after locker-room access.