Boston Celtics starting point guard Kemba Walker will be returning to action for the first game since New Years Eve’s win over his former team, the Charlotte Hornets, as Boston hosts the San Antonio Spurs Wednesday night.
The UConn product has been out with illness for three games, of which Boston won two in his absence.
The All-NBA guard’s absence was felt over that stretch, with the team’s wins over the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks being much closer affairs than they should have, and the loss to the Washington Wizards especially painful.
Appearing on 98.5 The Sports Hub radio show Zolak & Bertrand, head coach Brad Stevens revealed the Bronx native would play, but for less minutes than usual.
Brad Stevens says on @ZoandBertrand that Kemba will play vs Spurs.
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) January 8, 2020
“He’ll be back but probably won’t play his normal minutes,” offered Stevens. “That thing knocked him out. Romeo [Langford] has it now. When you get it you’re not only knocked out yourself, but the idea of travelling doesn’t make sense.”
Langford, of course, will not be available.
Looking ahead to Thursday’s meeting with Atlantic Division rival Philadelphia 76ers, it has been revealed starting Sixers center Joel Embiid will miss the Jan. 9 meeting between Boston and Philadelphia due to a dislocated finger.
Rookie defensive menace Matisse Thybulle will be available for the 76ers, however, and the Celtics continue to await a January return from centers Robert Williams III (hip) and Vincent Poirier (finger).
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