1/27/2005 09:16:33 AM|||Shep|||

BOSTON (AP) -- Celtics forward Al Jefferson, the team's top pick in last year's draft, left Wednesday night's game against the Indiana Pacers with a high ankle sprain and is expected to miss at least four weeks.

Paul Pierce Monday-Morning Quarterbacking:

Celtics forward Paul Pierce said Jefferson doesn't regularly tape his ankles for games, a mistake Pierce made as a rookie, too. "Hopefully, you're listening, Al," Pierce said to TV cameras after the game. "Got to tape those ankles, baby."

Thanks for that, Paul.

Fantasy Impact

Jefferson had been playing well, and getting more and more minutes and, I'm sure, to some was a Free Agent Savior.

Now that he's out, expect Walter McCarty to make a bid to step up his game to get the trade he wants. Good luck with that, Walter.

Jefferson's abscence also makes more time for Kendrick Perkins, who's playing time was already ratcheting up. As were his stats... 4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2 blocks in 17 minutes over the last 5 games. Of course, Boston will probably let Mark Blount and Raef LaFrentz stay in the game longer now. Blount has been pretty average, not doing much considering the minutes he's had. LaFrentz, on the other hand, has been a pretty good option as a FC in most leagues. With 80% from the line, and 0.8 threes/game, he fills in spots that other centers don't usually give you. I'm a little worried about him putting more playing time on that knee, but if it holds up, you can look for a slight bump in his stats.

Count it.|||110683983379698375|||The Other Jefferson injured