LOS ANGELES -- The Celtics are bruised and battered right now and will need their bench to finish the Lakers off back in Boston. Kendrick Perkins did not play due to a sprained shoulder and Rajon Rondo is still slowed by a ankle injury. Now Ray Allen has an undisclosed personal problem with one of his children that could affect his status for Game Six.

Perkins is very sore and his return looks doubtful right now. He says he can play but even if he improves, it’s hard to see how he could provide a major lift. Leon Powe started at center but didn’t see any time after five first-quarter minutes. P.J. Brown (24 minutes) saw the majority of minutes at center with Kevin Garnett handling the rest of the duties.

The Celtics did get some fine play from the bench, which combined for 28 points. Sam Cassell provided a big lift in the fourth quarter and Tony Allen scored six points in his first significant minutes of the playoffs.