With the good news, some bad.
Boston Celtics starting point guard Kemba Walker did not practice with the team today, and is unlikely to play in Boston’s Saturday evening rematch with the Houston Rockets, reports NBC Sports’ Chris Forsberg.
Walker has been resting a sore knee that required drainage after an extended stint in the 2020 NBA All-Star Game, and his absence will be significant for a Celtics team itching to even the score against the new-look “Pocket” Rockets.
However, Boston will have an unexpected boost with reserve center Robert Williams III having been cleared to return to action for the game, reports the Athletic’s Jay King.
While he’s likely not in game shape after such a long absence — taken to heal a severely bruised hip — he should be able to help spell Daniel Theis more effectively than big man Enes Kanter, who is not a good fit against this lightening-quick, ultra-mall Houston iteration.
Head coach Brad Stevens relates he’ll play only a few minutes in his first games back, per the team.
Kemba Walker did not practice. Stevens calls him likely out tomorrow. Will ramp up over weekend with next week as target return.
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) February 28, 2020
Ultimately, postseason health matters so much more for a team doing as well as Boston has of late.
So, the scratch for the UConn product should be unsurprising if a bit concerning considering that while this has happened to Walker in the past, it’s also never caused him to miss so many games.
Conversely, it’s almost equally positive news today on the injury front given Timelord has been out since Dec. 9.
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