After missing the last four games with knee soreness and swelling, Boston Celtics point guard Kemba Walker could return to the court when the Celtics face the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday (March 3). According to Celtics head coach Brad Stevens, Walker worked out on Saturday and the team plans to have him play 3-on-3 on Sunday.
Walker’s status for their matchup against the Nets is dependent upon whether or not he’s cleared to practice on Monday. A four-time All-Star, Walker has already missed 11 games this season, rather uncharacteristic for a player who hasn’t missed more than three games in a season since 2014-15.
#NEBHInjuryReport Kemba Walker (knee) worked out today and the plan is to have him play 3-on-3 tomorrow. If he’s cleared to practice Monday, he could return for Tuesday’s game vs. Brooklyn, per Brad Stevens.
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) February 29, 2020
If Walker returns to the lineup on Tuesday, it’s unclear whether or not he’ll be placed on a minutes restriction or if Boston will opt to manage his recurrent knee issues by having him sit out during back-to-backs (they have four more this season) or a few of their games against lesser opponents.
For example, after the Celtics play the Nets on March 3 (a home game), they’ll play against the Cleveland Cavaliers (who have the third-worst record in the league) on March 4. That’s a game that Boston may feel is better for Walker to miss and continue to rejuvenate his knee injury.
Kemba Walker on the court after shootaround getting up shots. pic.twitter.com/PKCG91a3tg
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) February 29, 2020
As a team with playoff hopes and a legitimate chance to make it to, at least, the Eastern Conference Finals, the Celtics may not want to take any chances with the postseason almost a month away.
Walker has averaged 21.8 points, 5.0 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 1.0 steal per game for Boston this season, shooting 42.9% from the field, 38.8% from 3-point range and 86.6% from the free-throw line.