Shane Larkin's readiness to return still in limbo - but looks good


Shane Larkin's readiness to return to action from a shoulder injury seems to depend on the person you ask and when the question is posed.

Larkin suffered the injury to his left shoulder when he collided with the 76'ers Joel Embiid in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. He has not played since that incident.

Shane has generally been the Celtics third-string point guard who always seems to energize the team when he enters the game. That energy may be sorely needed after Boston's trouncing by Cleveland in Game Three.

Game Four takes place tonight in Cleveland, and Larkin seems to be progressing fairly well. In the video/tweets below he is seen passing the ball with his injured left arm.

From much experience rehabbing similar shoulder injuries, including my own, overhead throwing will almost always produce pain, and it looks like that may be the case with Shane. But the range of motion and follow-through seem just fine. His shot also seems okay.

So will he play tonight in Cleveland? I think it is reasonable to think so. If not, it looks good for Game Five in Boston. We hear every scenario from "He is good to go" all the way to "He is doubtful to return anytime in the playoffs". He will have some pain, but he should return tonight or for Game Five.




Follow Tom at @TomLaneHC

Photo via Jim Davis/Boston Globe


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