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5.0The Boston Celtics aren’t in a hurry at the moment to get Kemba Walker back onto the court.
Brad Stevens told reporters at Tuesday’s shootaround that the Celtics are being cautious with the All-Star point guard as he deals with a sore left knee. Walker, who will miss his third straight game coming out of the All-Star break when the Celtics take on the Portland Trail Blazers tonight, has already had his knee drained and received an injection to help him in his recovery.
Stevens added that while Walker hasn’t officially been ruled out for Wednesday’s matchup against the Utah Jazz and could suit up, it is unlikely that Walker will play. The Celtics’ carefulness with Walker is to ensure that in the future if he does miss a game, it’s for regular rest rather than due to an injury.
#NEBHInjuryReport Coach says it’s a possibility that Kemba Walker could play tomorrow in SLC, but it’s unlikely. He said the team is taking it slowly so that anytime Kemba misses a game from here on out, it’s planned and not due to injury.
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) February 25, 2020
Walker is also trying to play it safe and not rush back into game action before he is fully ready.
“I’ve got to be smart,” said Walker on dealing with his knee issue. “I just have to be smart.”
Kemba Walker doesn’t want any setbacks with his knee issue: “I’ve gotta be smart. I just have to be smart.”
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) February 25, 2020
Walker missed just six game over his final four seasons with the Charlotte Hornets and with him sitting out versus the Trail Blazers, it will be the 11th game he will be sidelined for during his first season with the Celtics. In 46 games this season, Walker is averaging 21.8 points, 5.0 assists and 4.1 rebounds.
After the C’s west coast road trip ends in Utah tomorrow, they’ll next play at home versus the Houston Rockets on Saturday.