This sounds like the Timberwolves, doesn't it?

The Celtics make their only visit to the Target Center tonight and this time they'll be without all of their new Big Three.

That means no Kevin Garnett, no Rajon Rondo and no Paul Pierce.

Rondo out for the season with that torn ACL.

Garnett is heading into the second week of what likely will be two weeks out because of an ankle/foot injury.

And Pierce is scratched tonight because of personal reasons.

Nikola Pekovic is starting at the Wolves at center, btw, after missing Saturday's loss to Memphis because of a sprained ankle.

Somebody asked Boston coach Doc Rivers before tonight's game if he remembers what life is like without those three.

"Yeah, vividly, about five years ago," he said. "It has been a while. I think it has happened before. I'm not even sure. I know we played a couple games with Ray (Allen), Paul and Kevin. We played a couple of those, but that was resting guys."

Rivers acknowledged this could possibly be the last time Garnett is scheduled to play back in Minnesota.

"I think yeah, every year we don't know if it's his last time," Rivers said. "Obviously, I hope not and we all hope not. But you never know with Kevin. Every summer he's deciding if he's coming back or not. I would hope this isn't because you would want him to play in his last game here. So let's hope it isn't."