Posted Jun 16 2010 4:45PM - Updated Jun 16 2010 8:10PM
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Boston center Kendrick Perkins' sprained right knee will keep him out of Game 7 of the NBA finals.
Celtics coach Doc Rivers confirmed Wednesday that his starting center won't play in the season finale against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night, dealing a blow to Boston's hopes of winning its 18th championship.
Perkins was hurt midway through the first quarter of Boston's 89-67 loss in Game 6 on Tuesday night when he landed awkwardly after battling under the hoop with Lakers center Andrew Bynum. Perkins sprained multiple ligaments in his knee, according to Rivers.
Perkins says he's devastated to miss the game, but expects his teammates to fill in admirably.
Rasheed Wallace or Glen Davis likely will start in Perkins' place.
 | Hawks vs. Lakers Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum both notch double-doubles in the Lakers' 86-78 win over the Hawks. |
 | Evans Circus Shot Tryeke Evans drives the paint, gets the circus shot to fall and gets the foul. |
 | Play of the Day Jeremy Lin nails the game winning 3-point shot with .9 seconds left and scores a game high 27 points and 11 assists. |
 | The Fan Night Zap Check out all the action from Fan Night in the NBA! |
 | Fan Night Top 10 Jeremy Lin's Game-winning 3-pointer headlines the Fan Night's Top 10 plays. |
 | Fan Night-ly Notable Jeremy Lin nails the game winning 3-point shot with .9 seconds left and scores a game high 27 points and 11 assists. |
 | Block of the Night LeBron James deflects the pass, gets the block and saves the loose ball all on the same defensive possession. |
 | Dunk of the Night Nicolas Batum drives straight down the paint and gives JaVale McGee a facial. |
 | Assist of the Night Kendrick Perkins gets fancy and gives the nice no-look behind the back assist. |
 | Steal of the Night Iman Shumpert strips the ball from Jose Calderon and takes it to the rack. |
Copyright © NBA Media Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of NBA.com may be duplicated, redistributed or manipulated in any form. By accessing any information beyond this page, you agree to abide by the Privacy Policy / Your California Privacy Rights and Terms of Use. | Ad Choices 
NBA.com is part of Turner - SI Digital, part of the Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network.
