Celtics’ Allen to have knee surgery

An examination on Thursday morning at New England Baptist Hospital revealed the severity of the injury, which occurred late in the third quarter of the Celtics’ 97-84 loss, when he missed a dunk attempt and came down awkwardly on his left leg. He had to be helped off the court and was taken to Baptist for an MRI.

According to the Boston Herald, which quoted Celtics head coach Glenn "Doc" Rivers, Allen could undergo surgery to repair the damage as early as this weekend once swelling in the knee subsides.

Rivers also said the 25-year-old could miss up to six months, another tough setback for a player who endured surgery and rehab on his right knee two years ago.

Allen is the latest in a string of unfortunate injuries the Celtics have had to endure this season. Boston is already dealing with the long-term losses of Paul Pierce and Theo Ratliff, as well as minor hurts to Wally Szczerbiak and Delonte West.

In addition to Allen, forward Brian Scalabrine is expected to miss at least the next three games after suffering a bruised meniscus and a sprained MCL in his right knee after a knee-to-knee collision with teammate Gerald Green also during Wednesday’s contest.