Rejoice! The Celtics *should* be back soon!
In the words of the great Allen Iverson: “We talkin’ ‘bout practice!” That’s right Celtics fans, the Boston Celtics conducted their first team practice since January 2nd today. According to reports, the Celtics had a whopping nine players available at practice, including Kemba Walker, who has been recovering from stem cell injections in his left knee.
Danny Ainge spoke to Toucher and Rich on 98.5 The Sports Hub this morning, and said that while Kemba is back at practice, he will need more time before he is game ready. Ainge also said that Tristan Thompson and Grant Williams would be participating at practice, and that if all went according to plan, both Thompson and Williams will be available for Friday’s game against the Orlando Magic.Brad Stevens said the #Celtics had nine players practice today, including Kemba Walker.
— A. Sherrod Blakely (@ASherrodblakely) January 14, 2021
While a formal announcement has yet to be made, all signs point towards the Celtics returning to the court tomorrow after three straight postponed games due to positive COVID-19 cases and contact tracing. As it currently stands, the Celtics will have the league minimum eight available players for tomorrow's game. Right now, here’s how the Celtics’ depth chart looks:Danny Ainge was on 98.5 The Sports Hub this morning:
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) January 14, 2021
-Said the guys in the protocols are feeling well. If testing goes well, game should be on for Friday
-Kemba Walker needs more practice time before playing (facility has been closed)
-Wasn't the right time or price for Harden
Guards: Marcus Smart, Jeff Teague, Payton Pritchard, Tremont Waters
Wings: Aaron Nesmith
Bigs: Tristan Thompson, Grant Williams, Tacko Fall
However, more help may be on the way, as a number of Celtics remain questionable due to health and safety protocols, and await word from league doctors.
Regardless of who takes the court for the Celtics, it will be great to finally have Celtics basketball to watch again, after this unexpected extended break.#NEBHInjuryReport for tomorrow vs Orlando (1/3):
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) January 14, 2021
Jaylen Brown (Health & Safety Protocols) - QUESTIONABLE
Carsen Edwards (Health & Safety Protocols) - OUT
Javonte Green (Health & Safety Protocols) - QUESTIONABLE
Photo Courtesy of Associated Press (AP).