Celtics guard Tony Allen, facing a charge of aggravated battery for his role in a fight last August in a Chicago restaurant, was informed that his trial date was being pushed back due to an illness to the judge. An Aug. 30 status hearing was scheduled, at which time a new trial date is expected to be set, virtually guaranteeing that Allen will be shuttling between Chicago and the Celtics as the 2006-07 season wears on.

A spokesperson in the Cook County State?s Attorney office yesterday confirmed that judge James Linn, who is expected to hear the case, has fallen ill, delaying the case indefinitely.

Knee surgery, compounded by the criminal investigation into the incident, wiped out most of Allen?s second NBA season with the Celtics. The continuance doesn?t bode well for his third.