Oct 09, 2006 2:19 AM EST

With 18 bodies vying for different levels of training camp attention, the Celtics may lighten their load before taking off today for their preseason opener in Cleveland tomorrow.

“I don’t like cutting before the first game, but I might have to make an exception this year,” coach Doc Rivers said.

A load of big men, including Dwayne Jones, Michael Olowokandi and Akin Akingbala, are among those in the line of fire. Rivers has said that Olowokandi has a legitimate shot to stick, and that Akingbala would be a tough player to pass over right off the bat.

“Akin is a guy you’ve got to think about keeping,” he said. “He’s not ready, but he’s got skills that nobody has defensively.”

Via Boston Herald