Boston Celtics: Kemba Walker is nearing his return from injury

The Boston Celtics could have the services of Kemba Walker on Tuesday night. It would be his first return to the court since the All-Star break.

The Boston Celtics have led everyone on in regards to the health of Kemba Walker and his knee soreness.

Walker, who was on a minutes restriction from the Celtics prior to the All-Star break, played over 29 minutes for Team Giannis in the All-Star game and exceeded his minutes limit. This resulted in his knee being drained and injected with an anti-inflammatory afterwards.

Although Walker has not made an appearance for the Celtics during the second half of the season since playing in the All-Star game, headcoach Brad Stevens announced on Saturday that Walker might be available to return for Tuesday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets.

As much as the All-Star break is for entertainment purposes, it’s also a chance for the players to catch their breath and rest up to prepare for the second half of the season. It’s something Walker would have greatly benefited from this time around.

There has been speculation as to why Walker would even risk playing in the All-Star game knowing he has been dealing with a lingering knee injury for so much of the season. And I can’t say I disagree with them.

Although Walker has never really been on a team that is equipped and poised for a deep playoff run, the Celtics are depending on him to help lead this team through the playoffs. His eyes should have been looking at the bigger prize revolving around his Celtics team, rather than one game that is quite actually meaningless.

It seems like Walker has made the realization, perhaps just a little too late.

"“I’m trying…this is all different. It’s about me understanding what this is about and being able to compete at a high level for the playoffs. That’s really all I’m thinking about.” – Kemba Walker, per John Karalis of MassLive"

Luckily for the Celtics, Jayson Tatum transformed into a superstar caliber player during the last month. He averaged over 30 points per game and carried the team to a 9-3 record during February. With this new level of play produced by Tatum, it would prove to be beneficial if he was playing alongside his veteran and experienced All-Star point guard.

The return of Walker affects a lot more than just Tatum, but also the entire team. Walker being available to play opens up the court and slides a much needed role player back into the bench, more than likely Marcus Smart; the C’s spark plug.

If and when Walker does make his return, he is going to be on another minutes restriction and under an even bigger microscope as the Boston Celtics prepare themselves for the nearing playoffs.

"“Kemba got through everything today. The plan, should he feel good tomorrow, would be that he would be limited.” – Brad Stevens, per Boston.com"

The Celtics have already announced that Tatum and Marcus Smart missed Monday’s practice due to being sick and their status for Tuesday’s game is uncertain.

It would be ideal if Walker got a few games under his belt prior to the Celtics advancing to the playoffs. Those handful of games could be a large enough sample size for the medical staff to determine how Walker’s knee will hold up during a playoff series that features a game every other day.

We know one thing for sure, the Boston Celtics are a better team when Walker is available to play.