Allergies, ear infection knock Cavs´ Wallace out of Game 3

By TOM WITHERS
AP Sports Writer

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).