Bird is Put on Injured List Because of Inflammed Back

Larry Bird, at 35 the only player among the NBA’s top 20 in scoring, rebounds and assists, was placed on the injured list by the Boston Celtics Monday night because of a persistent back problem.

Dave Gavitt, head of Celtic basketball operations, said that doctors had recommended rest and anti-inflammatory medication for Bird, and no timetable has been set for the 13-year veteran’s return.

Gavitt said tests confirmed that Bird has inflammation resulting from a fall or falls.

Gavitt emphasized that the problem was caused by a fall during practice last month and is not related to back surgery Bird underwent June 7.

“We’re 100% sure he’ll come back and Larry is positive about it,” Gavitt said. “When he went in to hear the results of the tests, he was prepared for the worst. He was concerned.”

Bird made a rapid recovery from the surgery, then signed a two-year contract extension worth more than $8 million. After the fall during practice, he sat out his first game in New York last month. Then he was forced to sit out losses to Cleveland at home Friday and in Minnesota on Saturday.

With Kevin McHale also sidelined because of a leg injury suffered in Minnesota, the Celtics activated reserve guard Kevin Pritchard for Monday night’s game against Sacramento.