The Celtics yesterday said they expect to reactivate rookie guard Joseph Forte for tomorrow night's contest at Atlanta.

But with the team riding a 5-2 start and with plenty of help at the point guard position, Forte, the 21st overall pick in the last summer's NBA draft, could have a difficult time getting meaningful minutes.

``That means I have to play better,'' said Forte, the former North Carolina Tar Heel who has been sidelined by back spasms. ``That's all that means. Less room, the better you have to play. But I'm ready to go. I've been practicing harder. I've been away, so you have to put in extra time. I've been doing that and learning an extra position, too.''