Bradley Eyes Wednesday Return To Celtics Lineup
BOSTON (CBS) -- Celtics guard Avery Bradley was back on the practice court on Monday, and hopes that he can play Wednesday night when Boston visits the Hawks in Atlanta.
Bradley has missed the last three games after leaving last Monday's loss to the Chicago Bulls with right Achilles tendinitis. He told reporters last week that he was targeting Wednesday as a potential return date, but C's head coach Brad Stevens said the team will see how he feels after the session.
The 23-year-old Bradley has missed 22 games this season, most of them caused by his various issues with his right ankle. He's averaged a career-high 14.2 points and 3.7 rebounds in 55 games this season, and has stressed that he wants to keep playing to gain more chemistry with point guard Rajon Rondo.
With just five games left in the regular season it has been suggested by some to just shut down Bradley, who will be a restricted free agent after the season. But Stevens dismissed that notion on Monday.
"There is no talk of shutting anyone down. Nope. None. Zero," Stevens told reporters. "I think the only way somebody would be shut down is if they physically cannot participate."
Bradley isn't the only ailing Celtics player as of late. Forward Jared Sullinger had to leave Saturday's loss to the Pistons with a bruised left quad, and did not practice on Monday. The team hopes to get Sullinger on the floor Tuesday, and back in game-action for Wednesday night.
The status of Kris Humphries remains uncertain for Wednesday, as the forward battles right knee tendinitis.
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