Boston Celtics

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 27: Kemba Walker #8 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the first half of the game against the Brooklyn Nets at TD Garden on November 27, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

98.5 The Sports Hub staff report

The Celtics will have to manage with a point guard deficit Wednesday, as Kemba Walker (knee management) will join an ‘out’ group still featuring Payton Pritchard (knee) and Marcus Smart (calf), the team announced.

With this being the second leg of a back-to-back, Walker’s move to the sidelines is expected. The 30-year-old Walker is just seven games into his comeback from an offseason stem cell injection in his nagging knee, and all parties involved have made it clear that Walker’s long-term health is among their top priorities this season.

But there was some hope that Pritchard, who suffered a Grade I sprain in his right MCL on Jan. 22, would be able to play in this contest. C’s coach Brad Stevens even considered him a “game-time decision” when speaking Tuesday.

That will not be the case, however, leaving the Celtics to rely on a point guard depth chart featuring veteran Jeff Teague, Carsen Edwards, and Tremont Waters matched up against the Kings’ De’Aaron Fox.

The Celtics started their road trip with a 111-107 win over the Warriors on Tuesday night, and will square off with a Sacramento team with wins in nine of their 20 contests this year.

Click here for 98.5 The Sports Hub’s complete coverage of the Celtics.