"Exhibition game or not, coach Tom Thibodeau guards his game plan like he demands his players defend and thus played coy when asked about Richard Hamilton's availability for Tuesday night's finale.

"I just want to make sure he's ready to go," Thibodeau said. "He's moving along well and in pretty good shape."

Tuesday will mark Hamilton's fifth practice or shootaround since signing, and his 12 years of experience would suggest he knows how to pick up systems. Perhaps that's why Carlos Boozer matter-of-factly stated "he'll play" when asked."