ALTHAM - Three days between games are a luxury at this time of year, and the Celtics are happy to see them. In particular, Antoine Walker and Kenny Anderson are happy to see them. They need the rest.

Walker (right knee) and Anderson (right buttocks) sat out practice yesterday. Walker's woes first surfaced after last Wednesday's loss to the Spurs. There was some talk he might miss a game, but he played in both Friday's win over Detroit and Saturday's win at Atlanta.

''Rest is the only cure,'' Walker said yesterday. ''I'll keep getting treatment and wait until the swelling goes down. That's what I've got to do.''