As expected, the Boston Celtics will be without a couple of key performers in their regular season finale at Milwaukee.
Avery Bradley, who suffered a left quad contusion in Boston’s 95-93 win over Toronto on Tuesday, did not travel with the team.
Celtics head coach Brad Stevens said Bradley stayed behind in Boston to receive additional treatments on his injury.
“All indications are that he should be good to go,” Stevens told reporters.
With Bradley out, Stevens said he will start second-year wing Gigi Datome who will be making his first NBA start tonight.
Stevens also indicated that Isaiah Thomas (rest) would not play tonight as well.
“It’s a rest thing, to be honest,” Stevens said. “Just with the back, he hasn’t had a break since he came back. And he’s a fearless little guy as you know. I think this is a good night for him to get some shooting work in and sit.”
Boston Celtics
Thomas, one of the front-runners for the league’s Sixth Man of the Year award this season, missed eight games following a back injury suffered against the Miami Heat on March 9.
Since returning, the back has not been an issue.
Stevens said the decision to rest Thomas was also done in order to get some playing time for Phil Pressey.
“We’re going to need Phil Pressey,” Stevens said. “I’ve said this many times. He’s a guy that can not play for two weeks and all of a sudden play and be really impactful.”
As for Boston’s big men, Stevens said they will most likely play their usual minutes.