Celtics Injuries: Kemba Walker ruled out vs. Timberwolves in first game since break

Share

That lingering knee soreness that Boston Celtics point guard Kemba Walker has been dealing with -- it's back.

Walker has been ruled out for the C's matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday due to a sore left knee.

The 29-year-old was a starter for the NBA All-Star Game in Chicago over the weekend, and was supposed to be on a minutes restriction, but wound up playing more than expected.

“I was actually supposed to be on a minute restriction, but the game got too close,” Walker said. “I wanted to be out there. I wanted to compete. I knew down the stretch that it would get serious like that, and I wanted to be a part of it.”

That minutes restriction certainly could've paid off, too, as his 29 minutes of action may have contributed to the knee soreness. He notched 23 points with three rebounds and three assists in the All-Star Game for Team Giannis, but they fell to Team LeBron 157-155.

LIVE stream the Celtics all season and get the latest news and analysis on all of your teams from NBC Sports Boston by downloading the My Teams App.

Walker has played a major role in the Celtics' lineup this season -- averaging 21.8 points, 5.0 assists and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 42.9 percent from the field and 38.8 percent from three-point range. His stats, though, don't encompass how vital he has been in the development of young players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown who are having career years.

Although Walker has helped the Celtics find success this season, they hold a 6-2 record without him in the lineup. So, you can bet that his teammates will step up in his absence when they travel to Minnesota to take on the Timberwolves.

This Friday is Jayson Tatum Day here at NBC Sports Boston. Be sure to check out our exclusive content around Tatum throughout the day, both online and on the broadcast of Celtics-Timberwolves, which begins Friday at 7 p.m. with Celtics Pregame Live followed by tip-off at 8 p.m. You can also stream it on the MyTeams App.

Contact Us