Rondo declares himself fit to return to Celtics lineup

WALTHAM, Mass. - Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo says he will "definitely" start Friday night's home game after missing two games with a sprained right

WALTHAM, Mass. - Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo says he will "definitely" start Friday night's home game after missing two games with a sprained right ankle.

Coach Doc Rivers was more reserved, saying Rondo is "likely" to start against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Rivers says he wanted to be sure that Rondo was strong enough to return and says he passed the test during Friday morning's shootaround.

Rondo sprained the ankle a week ago in a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Celtics lost both games Rondo missed to drop 2 1/2 games behind Cleveland in the Eastern Conference.

His replacement, Stephon Marbury, has struggled.