This is obviously bad news for both the Celtics and Garnett fantasy owners. Although Garnett isn’t having a hugely impressive statistical season, he’s arguably the piece of the puzzle that makes Boston tick.

For the season, Garnett is averaging 16.6 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. Those numbers aren’t very close to his peak numbers while with the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, as long as the Celtics continue to win, don’t expect Garnett to be upset with his production.

With Garnett out, expect Leon Powe, Glenn Davis and Brian Scalabrine to get more minutes. Powe, of the three, has the most upside. His per minute numbers are good and with extended playing time, he could become viable in fantasy basketball.

The other ripple effects on the team will be a bigger role for Kendrick Perkins and more shots for Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo.

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Although Garnett is sidelined with an abdominal strain and Parker is out with an ankle injury, both players seem to be in the same point. Doc Rivers and Gregg Popovich are both indicating that their star player is out until after the All-Star break. However, both should be able to return at some point right after the break.

The Celtics embark on a five-game road trip right after the All-Star break. All the games will be against teams in the Western Conference. Obviously, the Celtics will want Garnett back by the beginning of the trip. However, if he’s not showing enough progress, they may opt to keep Garnett in Boston and wait until a return on Feb. 27 when the Celtics return from the trip.

After the All-Star break, the Spurs play four of their next five games at home. Their lone road game is against the lowly Minnesota Timberwolves. It sounds as if Parker could be ready to go on Feb. 19 against the Bobcats. However, if the Spurs want to give him a few days more rest, the next most likely target return date is Feb. 23 against the Hornets.

Keep an eye on both players but as a fantasy owner, you should be relieved in known that both Garnett and Parker should be back before the end of the month. Though the Celtics beat the Spurs on Sunday, it will be interesting to see what these teams do head-to-head when they are both at full strength.

Parker Mix …

Garnett Mix …

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Since then, Garnett has missed games against the Orlando Magic and the Miami Heat. The Magic were able to beat the Celtics on a last second three-pointer by Hedo Turkoglu, while the Celtics destroyed the Heat. Against the Heat, Ray Allen also missed the game due to flu-like symptoms.

However, the big news is Garnett’s injury. While a strained abdominal muscle isn’t always serious, it’s an injury that can linger. There’s talk of Garnett being able to play as quickly as Thursday against the Dallas Mavericks. Even if he does, keep an eye on him because his fantasy output will likely be lower than usual until he completely recovers.

With Garnett out, Brian Scalabrine starts for the Celtics and Kendrick Perkins, Glenn Davis and Leon Powe get more playing time. Of those players, Perkins and Powe are the players to target if you need immediate help on your fantasy team.

Inside the mind of Kevin Garnett …

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