Garnett returns to Celtics' lineup

CHICAGO (AP) -- Kevin Garnett was back in the Boston Celtics' lineup against the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday after missing a game to get some rest.

Backup guard Tony Allen, however, was sick and missed the game.

Coach Doc Rivers says he plans to monitor Garnett's minutes after resting him against Milwaukee on Saturday night. He also considered giving Paul Pierce the night off, but "he wanted to play."

The fourth-place Celtics had dropped five of eight and needed to win their remaining two games to stay in the running for the third seed in the Eastern Conference.