Olynyk hoping a couple days off will help injured shoulder

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ATLANTA – Kelly Olynyk sat out Monday’s practice, hoping that a couple days off (he didn’t practice on Sunday, either) will be just what his ailing right shoulder needs.

If you recall earlier this season, the 7-foot big man missed 12 games with an injury to the same shoulder.

Olynyk has been bothered to some degree by it even after his return to the lineup, but said he re-aggravated it at some point on Saturday after bumping into a player or being hit on it.

“I don’t remember really when it happened exactly,” Olynyk told CSNNE.com. “I just know it hurts.”

However, Olynyk was quick to add that the pain he is experiencing now isn’t nearly as bad as it was when he initially suffered it against the Los Angeles Clippers on Feb. 10 – the last game prior to the all-star break.

“Hopefully a couple days off will settle it down; maybe get a little bit of strength back,” Olynyk said.

His presence was definitely missed in Game 1 when he played just over 11 minutes.

Moments prior to Avery Bradley’s right hamstring injury, the Celtics took their first lead of the game 83-80 on a corner 3-ball from Jae Crowder.

In the final minutes, the Celtics were in desperate need of a 3-pointer which led to 3s being taken by Marcus Smart, Evan Turner and Jonas Jerebko – all of which were off the mark.

It would have been nice for the Celtics to have had their best 3-point shooter this season, Olynyk, on the floor at that critical juncture of the game.

“Definitely,” Olynyk said. “You want to be out there helping your teammates any way you can.”

Olynyk said he was available to come back on the floor in Game 1 after having his shoulder looked at briefly.

His absence was missed, especially in the game’s final moments and the Celtics looking to get a 3-point shot off.

Olynyk, who ranks among the NBA’s leaders 3-pointers by a center, was Boston’s most consistent 3-point prospect while connecting on 40.5 percent of his 3s this season.

While he’s feeling better, Olynyk remains non-committal on his status for Game 2.

“Hopefully,” he said. “Right now, it’s day-to-day. We’ll see how it feels (Tuesday morning).”

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