Doc Rivers, though, says it isn’t guaranteed. (Boston Herald)

“I don’t think it’s anything that serious (to require a test),” said Rivers. “Tendinitis can be tough, because it can linger and when you come back it can start right back up. That’s why we’re trying to head it off. Hopefully we’ve done it in time. We don’t know if we have or not.”

Rivers said Perkins spoke to him about his soreness a couple of games before the Celtics decided to sit him, but — knowing his tough center — figures the pain had probably affected Perk for awhile before then. Doc’s hopes are that the rest can return Perk, who has struggled for months, to his early-season form.

“Let’s hope that’s the fix,” he said. “I don’t know if that is or isn’t it, but he’ll clearly be moving better when he comes back – if it’s not bothering him any more.”

Of course, it might be tough to immediately tell how good Perk is feeling upon his return. As Doc points out, “he’s not that speedy of a fella” to begin with.