BOSTON — It likely will be another week before Isaiah Thomas returns to the court for the Celtics.
The point guard initially was expected to be back in action Monday against the Philadelphia 76ers, but Celtics coach Brad Stevens said before the game that that would not be the case.
Thomas has missed Boston’s last three games as he recovers from a bad bruise in his lower back, and he likely will be sidelined for at least three more, according to Stevens.
“(Celtics trainer) Ed Lacerte saw him (Monday),” the coach said. “He was moving a little bit better, went to the doctor again but is still really sore. As of right now, he’ll be reevaluated (Tuesday), but I’d say it’s unlikely he travels to either of the trips, so we’re probably at least still three games away, which is too bad for him. He really wants to play. To say he’s antsy is an understatement.”
Thomas suffered the injury last Monday during the Celtics’ win over the Miami Heat and has been unable to do more than lightly jog on a treadmill since. Boston is 3-0 in his absence.
“Ed just said it’s as tough of a bruise as he’s ever seen,” Stevens said. “And again, nobody wants to play more than that kid. That’s what I appreciate about him. He had himself convinced that he was going to play the next day after he fell. Hopefully, he gets better sooner rather than later.”
The Celtics visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday before traveling to San Antonio on Friday for a matchup with the Spurs.
Thumbnail photo via Mark L. Baer/USA TODAY Sports Images
