Pritchard returning tonight vs. Kings ‘not out of the question'

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Rejoice, Boston Celtics fans. "Fast PP" could be back before you know it.

Payton Pritchard was providing a huge spark off the bench before going down with an MCL sprain on Jan. 23 vs. the Philadelphia 76ers. Less than two weeks later, before Tuesday's game against the Golden State Warriors, head coach Brad Stevens shared an encouraging update on the C's rookie.

“Once he’s available he’ll obviously be part of the rotation. It’s just a matter of when he’s cleared,” Stevens said. “He came to the gym earlier today and did more and I did not hear about how it went. And then we’re just basically at a day-to-day after today. I do not know if he will play tomorrow night or not but I don’t think it’s out of the question. But I’ll learn more on the bus ride to Sacramento after the game.”

If Pritchard indeed returns for Wednesday night's game in Sacramento, it'd be great timing for a Celtics team that just lost Marcus Smart for 1-2 weeks with a Grade I calf strain. Through 14 games, the 23-year-old averaged 7.7 points and 2.6 assists while shooting 49 percent from the field in limited minutes.

Tuesday's Celtics vs. Warriors matchup marks the start of a five-game West Coast road trip for Boston. Tip-off is set for 10 p.m. ET.

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