What does it mean if Kevin Garnett doesn't play?

Don't expect a sudden groundswell of support for a Bulls' playoff upset. But here's how the Bulls-Celtics first-round series will change if Garnett doesn't play because of a knee injury, as Boston coach Doc Rivers expects:

Wins didn't stop: The Celtics went 18-7 without Garnett this season, a .720 winning percentage. With him, they were 44-13 (.772). So there wasn't a huge difference in success. Since losing to the Bulls on March 17, Boston beat Atlanta twice, Miami twice and Orlando without KG.

Backups are back: Don't forget, when the Bulls abused Boston's defense 127-121 at the United Center, backup PF Glen Davis was out with an ankle sprain, and Leon Powe left four minutes into the game with a knee injury. Davis can't match Garnett's rebounds or defense, but he averaged 13.8 ppg since returning. Powe didn't come back until the last two games of the regular season, but had 18 points and 13 boards against Washington on Wednesday.

Shorter limbs: Davis and Powe are talented backups, but they stand 6-9 and 6-8, respectively, and can't block shots like the 6-11 Garnett. Against the Celtics on March 17, Brad Miller had his best game since joining the Bulls, piling up 21 points and 14 rebounds. The shorter forwards could also make a difference if Derrick Rose can get past Rajon Rondo and into the lane.