The Celtics recalled rookie Lester Hudson from the NBA Development League’s Maine Red Claws, the team announced on Sunday. Hudson averaged 16.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in three games with the Red Claws.

WALTHAM – Ray Allen hyperextended his right finger during an open practice on Saturday. He seemed to jam his finger and left practice, but later returned to shoot free throws. He is expected to play on Sunday against the Timberwolves.

(Photo by Brian Babineau/Boston Celtics)

BOSTON – He never practiced the shot but it looked effortless when it went in.

On Friday night, WEEI Miller Lite 50 Grand Shootout contest winner Chris Miller drained a halfcourt shot worth $50,000 during the Celtics-76ers game.

“Going into it I wasn’t that nervous only because there was absolutely no chance of making that shot normally,” he said at halftime. “But you know what? It wasn’t even that weird because I thought there was no chance of making it. So when I did make it, it was very cool.”

The Quincy resident earned his opportunity after wining a series of shootout contests over the last four weeks. The final competition was held just prior to the Celtics game at the Harp. Hours later Miller donned a Kevin Garnett jersey and hit nothing but net.

“I had a lot of people tell me how to do this,” he explained. “All I was thinking about was getting my routine, so I didn’t change anything up, and making sure it’s long enough. It wasn’t quite as long as I wanted, I wanted it off the backboard, but it was just long enough and it was great.”

Miller plans to put the money toward a down payment on a home.

BOSTON – The Celtics were rolling with an 11-point lead before it happened.

Rasheed Wallace got whistled for an offensive foul with just over six minutes left in the second quarter. He didn’t agree with the call. During a timeout less than a minute later he got slapped with a technical. And then another one. Wallace had to be restrained by assistant coach Tom Thibodeau as he was tossed with 5:35 to go in the first half.

“That definitely helps because he can spread the floor,” Elton Brand said of the ejection. “He’s a good player for them and he was posting up and scoring, absolutely.”

Wallace had posted five points and three rebounds in nine minutes before he was ejected. The 76ers took advantage of his absence and tied the Celtics with 13 points in the remainder of the quarter. Big man Marreese Speights scored five points in the last 2:20 alone.

After having a 31-20 advantage on the boards in the first half, the Celtics were outrebounded 25-15 in the second. Without Wallace, the second unit combined for just four rebounds in the entire game before losing 98-97. (Recap here)

His absence played a role in the Celtics loss, but that doesn’t mean they are putting it all on him.

“Sheed’s a big part of our team,” said Kevin Garnett. “Not only does he give us length and a great voice out there on defense and offense, but he’s a presence in the post, a presence on the outside, and knows how to play and shares the ball. But that’s no excuse. I mean he didn’t have anything to do with our energy. That’s just a team thing and we’ll get it right.”

Added Brian Scalabrine, “This is the kind of game where we will all look at ourselves in the mirror and say we all should have done better. We’re not blaming anyone else on this one. We should have won this game tonight.”

The Celtics will practice on Saturday and host the Timberwolves on Sunday evening.

On Saturday, December 19 Ray Allen will be participating in a Giving Tree event at the Natick Collection.

Beginning at 10am, shoppers may select an ornament from the tree, located in the Infinity Pool Court. Each ornament includes the wish list of a child from the Boys and Girls Club of Boston’s Jordan Club in Chelsea and the Boston Centers for Youth and Families.

Allen will sign autographs for Giving Tree shoppers from 4pm to 6pm to show his appreciation of their generosity.

“Not only am I trying to give back, I’m encouraging people to give back,” Allen said. “And people are doing it, it’s not like it’s for me, but it’s a way to help. We’ve all been that child that hasn’t gotten what we wanted for Christmas. So if we can try to step into the community and try to find kids and try to make their wishes come true, the giving part is the best part of the holidays. I like to be on that end of it.”

As previously expected, the Celtics announced rookie Lester Hudson has been assigned to the Maine Red Claws (NBA Development League) on Tuesday.

“He’s on a very good team where it’s very difficult to get minutes, but that hasn’t sidetracked his work,” Doc Rivers told the Boston Herald prior to Monday’s Celtics-Grizzlies game. “We’re going to send him down pretty soon to the NBDL for a week or so to get him some games, because I don’t like our young guys going these long stretches without playing games. And then we’re going to bring him back. I think that will help him.”

Celtics forward Bill Walker was assigned to their D-League affiliate earlier in the season.

Celtics rookie Lester Hudson will be assigned to the Maine Red Claws (NBA Development League) in the near future, according to the Boston Herald.

“He’s on a very good team where it’s very difficult to get minutes, but that hasn’t sidetracked his work,” Doc Rivers told the Herald prior to the Celtics-Grizzlies game. “We’re going to send him down pretty soon to the NBDL for a week or so to get him some games, because I don’t like our young guys going these long stretches without playing games. And then we’re going to bring him back. I think that will help him.”

Hudson, who was selected with the 58th pick in the 2009 Draft, has played a total of 49 minutes in 13 games this season. He has been working out with assistant coach and former point guard Tyronn Lue. Hudson has also put in extra time with Rajon Rondo after practice to improve his defense.