Shelden Williams said that his back is “feeling much better” and that he expects to be among the 12 active Celtics for tonight’s Game 3. Williams was a late scratch from Game 2 with back spasms.

Brian Scalabrine took his place on the active roster but didn’t play. It was the first time in the playoffs that the Celtics had a lineup shift. Williams last saw action in Game 5 of the Cleveland series, but it is possible the Celtics could need him if any of their big men get in foul trouble.

As the NBA gathered in Dallas for All-Star Weekend, Brian Scalabrine spent the break with his family and shared his photos with WEEI.com. Click on the photo below to launch the slide show.

Brian Scalabrine's All-Star Scrapbook

BOSTON – Brian Scalabrine expects to miss nearly a week with a separated right shoulder, he told WEEI.com following the Celtics – Trail Blazers game. He did not play on Friday night and aims to return next Thursday against the Magic in Orlando.

Scalabrine initially suffered the injury on January 6 against the Heat while trailing Michael Beasley on a pick. However, he wanted to maximize his opportunity in Kevin Garnett’s absence and played the next seven games with the injury.

“The only thing that was hard was when I play defense, I used my forearms to create space so the guy can’t feel my body.  I couldn’t do it with this side so it was just a minor disadvantage,” he explained. “You have to learn to play with your feet a little more instead of using your body, your spacing, stuff like that. But I think hopefully these next couple of days it’ll get better.”

It wasn’t until the pain became unbearable during Wednesday’s game against the Pistons that he decided to undergo an MRI. On Thursday, Scalabrine learned he had a Grade 2 AC joint injury, which he says, “is not a major separation.”

“The best way to describe it is it feels like a sprained ankle in your shoulder,” he said. “So it doesn’t hurt all the time, but it hurts when it’s in certain positions.”

This is the first shoulder injury Scalabrine has suffered during his career. He will ice his shoulder for treatment and anticipates being able to practice in the next three days.

Scalabrine averaged 9.0 points and 4.0 rebounds as a starter in three games this season.

In the market for a new home? Let Brian Scalabrine help you out.

This month Scalabrine will get a new job for the day as a RE/MAX Real Estate Host.

On Jan.17, he will showcase a $1.89 million RE/MAX Collection home, located at 84 Bacon Street in Winchester, from 3-4 p.m. with RE/MAX associate Kim Covino.

Scalabrine will lead tours, highlight the home’s décor and amenities, and also participate in a meet and greet with buyers and agents.

Talk about a new role for the Celtics role player.

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.

WALTHAM  –  Paul Pierce was sporting a bandage on the right side of his face after getting hit by an inadvertent elbow from Brian Scalabrine during Thursday’s practice.

“It went great,” head coach Doc Rivers said. “He elbowed one guy in the head and hit another guy so he’s back. Scal’s back.”

Pierce, who sustained only a minor scratch after a struggle for a loose ball, wasn’t the only victim of Scalabrine’s physicality in practice as J.R. Giddens got hit on the top of the head.

None of the injuries are expected to force any players to miss Friday’s game against Atlanta. Scalabrine returned to practice after back spasms forced him to miss two of the last three games.