National Basketball Association

Cavs guard Parker returns after missing 12 games

Published Feb. 28, 2012 6:44 p.m. ET

foxsports

Cavaliers guard Anthony Parker is in the starting lineup for Cleveland's game against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night after missing 12 games because of a lower back strain.

Parker, playing for the first time since Jan. 29, is averaging six points in 18 games.

Celtics center Jermaine O'Neal missed his second straight game with a sprained left wrist. He remained in Boston and will be examined by doctors Wednesday.

Forward Brandon Bass, who has missed the last six games with a sore left knee, and center Chris Wilcox, who didn't play in the final game before the All-Star break because of a strained right adductor, are both available for Boston.