NBA ROUNDUP : Celtics Feel Healthier After 42-Point Victory

Of course, the Boston Celtics are eagerly awaiting the return of their leader, Larry Bird.

They need the All-Star forward, who has missed a dozen games because of a serious back problem, but not when they play expansion teams.

Brian Shaw had 26 points Wednesday night at Boston to lead the Celtics to a 144-102 rout of the Orlando Magic. It gave the Celtics a 26-1 record against the four new NBA franchises.

It also gave them a 6-6 record since Bird was forced to take a rest Jan. 6. There is hope that Bird will return after the All-Star break. He had his first real workout Tuesday.

Bird said he didn’t know when he would be ready. “I’m just working my way back,� he said. “The back was a little sore after yesterday’s workout, but I feel fine now.�

The Celtics showed how much they missed Bird Sunday when the Lakers routed them in the second half. It was their fourth loss in five games and they were at a low ebb. But then came an easy victory at Minnesota and this game.

By the middle of the second quarter, it was no contest. Ed Pinckney (19) had a season high and Michael Smith (23) had a career high in the Celtics’ most lopsided victory of the season.

The easy game enabled the Celtics to give much-needed rest to their other veterans, Robert Parish (nine minutes) and Kevin McHale (22 minutes).

Detroit 93, Cleveland 84--Joe Dumars scored nine of his 27 points in the fourth quarter at Auburn Hills, Mich., to help the Pistons hold off the Cavaliers’ second-half rally.

Phoenix 115, Miami 104--The Suns, responding to a loss at Orlando Tuesday night, came out firing at Miami.

Phoenix led, 58-43, and stretched it to 101-82 with eight minutes remaining. The Heat made a late run, but fell short.

Indiana 123, Charlotte 105--The Pacers also started fast at Indianapolis. They made 12 of their first 17 shots, built a 32-13 lead and never let the Hornets get closer than nine the rest of the way.

Reggie Miller led the Pacers with 22 points and Greg Dreiling, subbing at center for injured Rik Smits, made four of five shots and had 11 rebounds.

Minnesota 95, Sacramento 86--Tyrone Corbin scored nine of his 27 points in a span of 2:39 in the fourth quarter at Minneapolis to help the Timberwolves end a four-game losing streak.

The Kings, who have the worst road record in the league (1-19), trailed only 70-67 before Corbin went on his spree. The Kings have lost 16 in a row on the road.