Rondo returns from seven game absence

TORONTO (AP)  -- Boston point guard Rajon Rondo returned to the starting lineup Sunday against the Raptors after missing seven games because of a sprained left ankle.

Celtics head coach Doc Rivers spoke with Rondo and trainer Ed Lacerte before the game and decided to let Rondo start to "see what he could do." Nate Robinson, who has started in Rondo's absence, returned to the bench.

Rondo had to be helped off the court in the fourth quarter of a Dec. 15 victory over the New York Knicks, and has not played since. He's averaging 11.2 points and an NBA-best 13.2 assists.

Rondo missed three games earlier this season because of a strained left hamstring, sitting out Boston's 102-101 loss at Toronto on Nov. 21.