Boston Celtics hopeful of Ray Allen return in next game – NBA Update
The Boston Celtics won game-2 of their Eastern Conference 1st round playoffs matchup against the Atlanta Hawks and now are looking to get a boost for game-3 with the return of Ray Allen. The veteran shooting guard has been out injured for a while,
after suffering injury layouts earlier in the season as well.
He had a sprained ankle that has stopped him from playing in each of Boston’s two post season games so far, but the player appeared optimistic on Thursday to make a return soon.
"The last couple of days, I've been in a really good place, so I'm optimistic," Allen said. "If I'm sitting here (Friday) feeling good, that's a different story. I am optimistic about practicing today so that's definitely a great step for me moving forward."
Allen has had a hard time with injuries throughout the season. He has missed crucial games for the Celtics and his persistent troubles were a reason for his move to the Celtics bench. He did however take part in practice on Thursday and looked good for the
duration, raising hopes within the coaching staff that the player would at least be able to take some part in the coming fixture at the TD Garden.
Allen though had been on the verge of coming back before the previous two games as well, only for his ankle to start paining again and dash the hopes. His head coach Doc Rivers was concerned with the player’s condition and therefore was cautious predicting
a return.
He said even if Allen was to play soon, he will take care not to put too much pressure on the shooting guard. Rivers opined that Allen was too focused and driven to take the precautions himself.
"He wants to do more today, so we'll see," Rivers said. "We did that (Monday) and it didn't work. So we have to maybe limit Ray from Ray. He's such a creature of habit and I actually thought that might have hurt him or any chance for him to play, obviously.
"
Other than Allen, Celtics will welcome back point guard Rajon Rondo to the fold for game-3 after he missed the last fixture through suspension.
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