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Garnett, Pierce, Rondo All Out Saturday

The Boston Celtics are hurting and will be missing three starters Saturday against the Toronto Raptors. PG Rajon Rondo (hamstring) C/F Kevin Garnett (hyper-extended knee) and G Paul Pierce (knee infection) are all out, leaving the Celtics short-handed. J.R. Giddens could make his first career start at guard for Boston. The news isn't all bad, however, as Saturday they should see the return of F Glen Davis who missed Wednesday's game with an ankle injury.


AP Photo/Bill Feig

Having secured the #1 seed in the NFC Playoffs last week, the New Orleans Saints announced QB Drew Brees will be the 3rd QB Sunday against the Panthers and likely won't play at all. Brees has put together a typically great season throwing for 4,388 yards 34 TDs and 11 INTs and was named the NFC's starter in this year's Pro Bowl. He has also completed 70.6 percent of his passes which will become an NFL single-season record if he doesn't play Sunday. S Darren Sharper and TE David Thomas have also been ruled out for the Saints.



Scheffler Unhappy with Benching

Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels has benched WR Brandon Marshall and TE Tony Scheffler for this Sunday's match-up against the Kansas City Chiefs and Scheffler is not happy about it. "I'm a competitor and have worked extremely hard this offseason to be able to fight for a chance to make the playoffs," he told the Denver Post Friday. "Him taking that away doesn't sit very well with me or some of my teammates."

Sheffler has had a reduced role in the offense under the new head coach and now his frustration may have led to his benching. The Broncos have to win this week and get some help in order to make the playoffs. After starting the season 6-0 they have been in a prolonged slump putting their playoff lives in question.