Kemba Walker to make 2021 season debut on Sunday
By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com
A day after being upgraded to ‘questionable’ on the injury report, Kemba Walker will make his season debut Sunday against the Knicks.
Walker was upgraded again to ‘available’ on Sunday’s report, with Brad Stevens telling media pregame he’ll be restricted to “20-ish minutes” against the Knicks. Walker is working his way back from a left knee injury that has been lingering since this time last year.
While the team is expected to limit Walker throughout the condensed season in order to keep him healthy, Sunday provides a unique opportunity. The Celtics have what is this year a rare two days off following their game against the Knicks. They won’t take the floor again until Wednesday in Philadelphia, giving Walker two days of rest without him missing any time.
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The news of Walker’s return comes as a wave of Celtics make their way back to the roster from the league’s COVID health & safety protocol. Only three players remain unavailable – Jayson Tatum and Robert Williams due to positive tests, and Carsen Edwards due to contact tracing. Against the Knicks, the team will also be missing Tacko Fall (ankle) and Romeo Langford (wrist).
Without Walker, the Celtics managed to jump out to a 8-3 record, the best in the Eastern Conference. They have a top-10 offense, currently scoring 114 points per game. It will be interesting to see where Stevens fits Walker into the rotation, with all three point guards (Marcus Smart, Jeff Teague, and Payton Pritchard) playing well during the current five-game winning streak.
The Celtics and Knicks tip off at 1:00 p.m.. You can catch the call of the game on 98.5 The Sports Hub, starting with pregame coverage at 12:30.
Click here for 98.5 The Sports Hub’s complete coverage of the Celtics.
Alex Barth is a writer and 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. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at Alexander.Barth@bbgi.com.
