It seemed as though LeBron James could hardly walk in the second quarter as he tumbled to the ground after spraining his ankle. Then he looked miraculously healed after halftime. James played more than 20 minutes and posted 11 points and seven rebounds in the second half. He even got up for a dunk and came down unscathed. He also scored his 10,000th career point. Kudos, LeBron. You had us fooled.

Speaking of injuries, Zydrunas Ilgauskas was banged up after the game. Big Z, who is already fighting a respiratory infection, had both knees wrapped and his feet soaking in a tub of ice. Ilgauskas said he has to play through the pain and looks forward to the day off.

The Celtics aren't 100% healthy, either. Doc Rivers said Kevin Garnett (18 points, 11 rebounds) didn't move as well as he usually does. Rivers said it could be because of the west coast road trip. Time will tell if KG is still feeling the effects of his abdominal strain.

P.J. Brown, meet Gino. With the Celtics up by 12 points in the fourth quarter, the newly iconic "Gino" was flashed on the Jumbotron. Brown looked confused as members of the Celtics burst into laughter and the crowd went wild. Leon Powe explained the significance of Gino to the big man and even popped his shirt for emphasis. I'm sure Brown was happy to learn that this playoff-hungry team knows how to have fun.

While Powe was bonding with Brown, Delonte West reflected on his close relationships with his former teammates. After being traded to the Cavaliers, West received phone calls from Paul Pierce, Al Jefferson, Kendrick Perkins, Gerald Green, and Sebastian Telfair. Looks like losing really did bring the Celtics closer last season.

The Cavaliers will host West's former teammates on the Timberwolves on Friday night. The Celtics will take on the Charlotte Bobcats on Friday at the Garden.

Cleveland head coach Mike Brown was ejected with just over 40 seconds to go in the third quarter. Brown drew a technical after arguing a foul called on LeBron James, who returned to the game in the second half (ankle sprain). Brown was visibly upset as he waved his arms and stormed off the court.

All the happenings of the first half seem inconsequential after watching LeBron James hobble in pain and fall to the ground.

James suffered a right ankle sprain following a drive to the basket in the second quarter. He left the game with 4:24 left in the half. X-rays were negative and his return to the game is questionable.

In the meantime, there is a basketball game going on. The Celtics lead the Cavs 47-40 off of 54% shooting from the field. Ray Allen leads the Cs with 12 points (5-7 FG). Rajon Rondo has settled into the traditional point guard role, dishing off five assists.

Delonte West received a warm applause from the Celtics crowd during the starting lineups. He has scored seven points and, in typical fashion, is trying to be a pest on defense. Wally Szczerbiak, on the other hand, was faintly booed. He posted five points in the first half.

James (15 points) is two points away from scoring his 10,000th point. We'll see if he returns to the game to capture that feat.

LeBron James hobbled down the court after going up for a layup and then fell to the ground in front of the scorer's table with 4:24 left in the second quarter. He left the game noticeably limping. Check back for more details ...

There were handshakes and laughter in the Celtics locker room after Monday's game against the Clippers, and tonight was no different.

Newly signed big man P.J. Brown arrived at the Garden tonight sporting a blue-gray suit and a smile. Kendrick Perkins had a childish grin on his face as he watched Brown talk with a reporter and Brian Scalabrine offered a boisterous introduction. Brown held court for nearly 10 minutes with a swarm of Boston media. He admitted that he has to get back into playing shape and Doc Rivers does not have a timeframe for his debut. Whenever he gets back into the game, he's ready to win a trophy.

Brown also added that while he was pursued by other teams but it was a certain conversation that swayed his vote. During All-Star Weekend, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce approached the New Orleans resident about playing for the Cs. Just another reason for Celtics fans to thank Allen and Pierce this season.

The Cavaliers locker room was jumping as well. Former Celtics Wally Szczerbiak and Delonte West were greeted by a hoard of microphones and questions from the Boston media. Szczerbiak also got a warm response from Rivers. West said this was the first time all season that someone has wanted to talk to him … and he has a lot to say. He doesn't regret what happened with the Celtics and is happy to be playing alongside LeBron James. And for the record, he has added to his eclectic tattoo collection. The latest is a bar code on his left hand that reads "GCODE," for "God's code."

Zydrunas Ilgauskas will start for the Cavs tonight despite the fact that he is battling a respiratory infection. Brian Scalabrine (groin) will return for the Celtics. Tony Allen (strained calf muscle) will sit out.

Check back at halftime for the sights and sounds from the first two quarters.

After a five-game West Coast road trip, the Boston Celtics will return to the TD BankNorth Garden tonight for the first time since the All-Star break. They'll take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at 7:30.

Both teams have changed since the last time they met just three weeks ago. The Celtics are rebounding from their first three-game losing streak of the season. The Cavaliers are trying to gel with their new teammates, including former Cs Wally Szczerbiak and Delonte West.

Will the Celtics return to their winning ways at the Garden or will the new-look Cavs spoil their homecoming?

Post your questions and comments often and early or shoot me an email at jcamerato@hoopsworld.com.