LOS ANGELES — Boston Celtics center Kendrick Perkins will miss Game 5 of the NBA finals against the Los Angeles Lakers because of a strained left shoulder.

Perkins said before today's game that he was in pain any time he moved his arm, and wouldn't be able to play. Perkins left open the possibility of playing in Game 6, if the Lakers win on Sunday.

If the Celtics win, he'll have all summer to recover.