Monday was a busy day for the Boston Celtics’ doctors and training staff.
The most important diagnosis, however, was a good one, as ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported point guard Kyrie Irving’s lingering knee pain isn’t considered too serious. Wojnarowski, citing league sources, said Irving’s knee issue is believed to be tendonitis, and he’s not expected to be out for an extended period of time.
Irving, who played just one half Sunday night, said after the game he might need to sit a few games to rest his knee. That might still happen, but Wojnarowski said Irving is considered day to day.
Knee issues have hobbled Irving in the past, and it’s something he and the Celtics have had to manage this season, too. Boston likely will play it safe with Irving, given its standing as the No. 2 team in the Eastern Conference. However, the Celtics are dealing with a rash of injuries at the moment. Big man Daniel Theis reportedly is done for the season with a meniscus tear, and Marcus Smart is out indefinitely with a torn tendon in his thumb. It’s also unclear when Jaylen Brown (concussion) will return.
