The Boston Celtics will need all the help they can get against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and it appears they’ll receive some with the return of an injured starter.
Celtics guard Avery Bradley will “give it a go” in Sunday night’s contest against the Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena, head coach Brad Stevens told reporters before the game, via the team’s official Twitter account.
Stevens added he plans to bring Bradley off the bench. According to Bradley, however, that doesn’t mean his minutes will be limited.
“I told Coach I don’t want a minutes restriction,” Bradley said Sunday, via Mass Live’s Jay King. “I feel good.”
Bradley has missed Boston’s last two games with a strained left calf, which he suffered when he was kicked in the leg during last Tuesday’s win over the Milwaukee Bucks. The 24-year-old shooting guard wanted to play in Friday night’s game against the Atlanta Hawks, but the team’s training staff convinced him to sit out.
The Celtics could use Bradley’s services Sunday, especially on the defensive end, where Boston’s backcourt will be tasked with slowing down explosive Thunder guard Russell Westbrook. The C’s also should benefit from a healthier Marcus Smart, who returned to action Wednesday on a minutes restriction while nursing a left toe injury but played nearly 30 minutes in Friday’s win over Atlanta.
Boston also recalled rookie guard Terry Rozier from the Maine Red Claws earlier Sunday, along with swingman James Young and forward Jordan Mickey.
Thumbnail photo via Greg M. Cooper/USA TODAY Sports Images
