Jared Sullinger is with the Boston Celtics for tonight’s game against Toronto, and there’s a decent chance that he’ll see some time.
But don’t be surprised if Sullinger’s stat line after the game looks a lot like it did in Friday’s loss to Milwaukee despite Sullinger historically being at his best against the Raptors.
The third-year forward has averaged 17.7 points and 12.3 rebounds per game against Toronto, his best scoring and rebounding numbers against any NBA team.
But with Sullinger having missed 24 games with his left foot injury, the Celtics know it’ll take the 6-foot-9 forward some time to get back on track.
“I don’t think he’ll play a lot,” Celtics head coach Brad Stevens, referring to Sullinger.
And as far playing him just three minutes and 12 seconds on Friday, Stevens said it’s not fair to evaluate Sullinger’s play on such a small sample size.
“You’re going to be rusty regardless,” Stevens said. “It’s not perfect to be thrown in a game for three minutes. It’s probably better to not play or play more extended time.”
Boston Celtics
Stevens will be more open to playing Sullinger after he gets a practice or two under his belt which should happen next week.
“That’ll be a great chance for him to get a little more extended time prior to the game,” Stevens said.