By John ‘The Dude’ Hardiman, 985TheSportsHub.com
Boston Celtics head coach Brad Steven made it clear Friday morning that Shane Larkin will not be returning to the C’s lineup during the remainder of the Eastern Conference Finals.
#NEBHInjuryReport: Brad Stevens says of Shane Larkin (left shoulder sprain), “He’s progressing, but I don’t think he’ll be available for this game or for the next.”
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 25, 2018
Larkin, who suffered a sprained left shoulder in Game 4 against the Philadelphia 76ers, hasn’t returned to the lineup since.
Just over a week ago Coach Stevens went onto say that “he’s not anywhere close to playing,” so it’s just a waiting game to see if he’ll return if the Celts make it to the NBA Finals.
Since Larkin hit the bench with his injury, Terry Rozier III, Marcus Smart and plenty of others have shared “point guard” and play facilitation duties.
His return could be a huge boost for the C’s bench, whenever that may be.
But either way he’ll be out for Game 6 and Game 7 (if necessary).
In 54 games this season, he’s averaging 4.3 points on 38.4 percent shooting from the field. In addition to snagging 1.7 rebounds and dishing out 1.8 assists in 14.4 minutes-per-game.
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The Eastern Conference Finals between the Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers will continue on Friday night, with the C’s holding a 3-2 series lead. Game 6 will tip-off in Cleveland at 8:30 p.m.
UP NEXT: The #2 Boston Celtics (55-27/3-2) will head back to Boston to take on the #4 Cavaliers (50-32/2-3) on Friday night in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Catch the call of the game with Sean Grande and Cedric Maxwell, live on 98.5 The Sports Hub. Pre-game coverage begins at 8:00 p.m., with tip-off set for 8:30 p.m.
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John Hardiman is a Digital Producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for John? Hit him up on Twitter @HardiDude or e-mail him at jhardiman@985thesportshub.com.
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