Will we see Avery Bradley back on the court before the end of the Boston Celtics’ first-round playoff series with the Atlanta Hawks?
According to Bradley, that’s still a possibility. According to head coach Brad Stevens, it’s “very unlikely.” According to Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge, the answer to that question seems to be a resounding “no.”
“Avery is so critical, such a critical piece of our future, I’m certainly not going to allow Avery to go out at less than 100 percent,” Ainge said Thursday in an interview with 98.5 The Sports Hub’s “Toucher & Rich,” as transcribed by ESPN.com’s Chris Forsberg.
“… I know Avery is fighting at the bit; he would try to play under any circumstance if he could run. I will prevent and intervene there to keep Avery from jeopardizing himself and making sure he doesn’t make a bad decision.”
Bradley is dealing with a hamstring injury suffered during Boston’s Game 1 loss in Atlanta. Ainge said the injury is a Grade 2 strain, and that while it could have been worse, the guard’s chances of suiting up in any of the remaining games against the Hawks do not look good.
“(It’s) not as bad as it could have been,” Ainge told “T&R.” “He’s much better, but I think it’s a long shot that Avery will be back in this series.”
Injuries have taken their toll on the Celtics this postseason. Bradley and big man Kelly Olynyk (shoulder) both sat out Game 2, which the C’s lost 89-72, and forward Jae Crowder has not looked like himself as he battles a nagging ankle injury.
Boston, which is seeking its first playoff win since 2013, hosts Atlanta on Friday night in Game 3.
Thumbnail photo via David Butler II/USA TODAY Sports Images
