Aron Baynes could return by next week

UPDATE

Aron Baynes spoke to the media before Monday night’s matchup with the Brooklyn Nets, saying that he hopes to return in 10 days. He also discussed the moment he knew that he had broken his left hand in the most Baynes way possible, while talking about a Kyrie Irving high-five that really made him realize his hand was badly injured.

Boston Celtics center Aron Baynes is progressing nicely in his rehab from the surgery for the left fourth metacarpal fracture that he suffered against the Phoenix Suns on December 19th.

Brad Stevens expanded on that in this clip from Chris Grenham:

Next week would put Baynes at returning just around 4 weeks. The initial report stated that he’d be missing 4-6 weeks, so Baynes is right on schedule in his rehab. For a Celtics team that has had to endure injuries to Baynes, Al Horford and Robert Williams III all around the same time, having Baynes come back would be a big boost to a team looking to capitalize on a home-heavy January schedule.

In Baynes’ absence, the Celtics have won a few matchups against some big-heavy teams such as the Philadelphia 76ers, the Memphis Grizzlies and the Dallas Mavericks, but having Baynes is better than not having him, especially when it comes to resting Al Horford who has had knee issues throughout the first half of the season.

So far, Baynes is averaging 5.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists and is shooting 32% from behind the 3-point line. The Celtics suit up without him tonight against the currently 7th-seeded Brooklyn Nets at 7:30PM EST.