Report: Chris Wilcox Could Return From Thumb Injury Wednesday Against Hornets

by Mark Loiselle on Wed, Jan 16, 2013 at 12:18AM

The Boston Celtics will look to resume their winning streak to seven games on Wednesday against New Orleans Hornets, and this contest may feature high-flying power forward, Chris Wilcox.

Wilcox may be set to return after suffering a right thumb injury in the 100-89 loss to the Chicago Bulls on December 18. Doc Rivers told the media on Tuesday that the Celtics aren’t rushing Wilcox back to the court.

“Maybe even by next game he’ll be in uniform where he could play,” Rivers said. “But we’re in no rush with that. We’re just going to make sure he feels good. He practiced and he wants to have a couple of more practices. If Chris was ready, he’d be playing, but I don’t know if he would play right away because I like the group that’s playing in front of him.”

Wilcox could be a major help to Boston’s second unit. Adding him into the already well-equipped supporting cast of Courtney Lee, Jared Sullinger, Jeff Green and Jason Terry would benefit the Celtics immensely.

Boston is ranked 29th in the NBA in rebounding. Wilcox is posting 4.7 points and 2.3 rebounds per game through 12 games in 2012-13.

Plus, who doesn’t love a Rondo and Wilcox alley-oop connection.