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Kemba Walker could return to Boston lineup Tuesday

Boston Celtics v Indiana Pacers

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 11: Kemba Walker #8 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 11, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

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Kemba Walker will be in street clothes for the fifth straight game Saturday when the Celtics take on the Houston Rockets on national television.

However, he could be back Tuesday, according to Celtics’ coach Brad Stevens.

Walker played nearly 30 minutes in the All-Star Game, but after returning to the team had his knee drained of fluid, got treatment, and missed the next four games. The Celtics kept on winning, going 3-1 without Walker behind the best stretch of basketball in Jayson Tatum’s career.

Walker is averaging 21.8 points and five assists a game for Boston this season, and the Celtics are 8.4 points per 100 possessions better on offense when he is on the court. With him their team gets better shots (and, with that, hits a higher percentage), and the offense has a smoother flow.

If Boston is going to be a threat to Milwaukee come the playoffs, they will need peak Walker. The smart move then is to get him healthy, then do some load management down the stretch to make sure he is fully rested and right when the postseason starts.