| 5 days 21 hours 6 min ago Cleveland forward Ben Wallace unlikely for Game 3 against Celtics
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CLEVELAND (AP) - Cavaliers starting forward Ben Wallace is unlikely to play in Game 3 against the Boston Celtics on Saturday night after missing the morning shootaround because of an inner ear infection.
Wallace started Game 2 but played less than 4 minutes before leaving when he became dizzy. He had tests on Friday at the Cleveland Clinic.
The Cavs described his ailment as a combination of allergies and an infection in his left ear. They listed him as doubtful for Game 3, but following his team's workout at Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland coach Mike Brown said his best interior defender "most likely will not" play against the Celtics.
If Wallace can't go, Anderson Varejao will take his place. The Brazilian made 13 starts during the regular season, averaging 7.9 points and 10.1 rebounds. Varejao's primary defensive assignment will be Boston's Kevin Garnett, who scored 28 points in Game 1 but just 13 in Game 2.
Varejao played 33 minutes in Game 2, scoring 3 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.
The Celtics won the first two games of the best-of-seven series at home and will be looking for their first road win of this postseason.
In the first two games, Boston's defense held Cavs star LeBron James to 19 percent shooting (8-of-42).
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
