The Boston Celtics are set to receive a big boost as All-Star guard Kemba Walker is set to make his season debut as his team hosts the New York Knicks.
#NEBHInjuryReport Update:
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) January 17, 2021
Tacko Fall (Left Ankle Sprain) - QUESTIONABLE
Daniel Theis - AVAILABLE
Kemba Walker - AVAILABLE
After early reports indicated that Walker could be set to return to the lineup, Celtics head coach Brad Stevens confirmed Walker's availability during his pregame presser, adding that the four-time All-Star will be limited to about 20 minutes of action.
#NEBHInjuryReport Brad Stevens says Kemba Walker's minute restriction will be about 20 minutes this afternoon.
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) January 17, 2021
Walker missed the first 11 games of the 2020-21 NBA season after receiving a stem-cell injection in October 2020 that required a 12-week strengthening program. Walker's troublesome knee was a lingering issue throughout the 2019-20 season that held him out of games and hindered his performance during the NBA Restart and the 2020 Playoffs.
Despite the ongoing knee issues, Walker averaged 20.4 points, 4.8 assists and 3.9 rebounds over 56 regular-season games in 2019-20 and in 17 postseason games, posted averages of 19.6 points, 5.1 assists and 4.1 rebounds.
In Walker's absence, the Celtics have gotten out to the East's best record at 8-3 and are winners of five straight. He returns to a lineup that features a potential first-time All-Star in Jaylen Brown.
The Celtics host the Knicks on Sunday, Jan. 17 at 1 p.m. ET on TSN.
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