Kevin Garnett took part in a full-contact practice with the Celtics on Thursday for the first time since straining his right calf on Dec. 29.

Garnett has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Bobcats, but coach Doc Rivers said the forward went through about half of practice.

"He went through half the practice or more than that, actually," Rivers said. "He looked pretty good. He's not playing (Friday) but he looked pretty good. Besides just his wind, I thought his movement was very good. I want to see him another practice but he's getting close."

Boston is 5-3 without Garnett in the lineup.