The Boston Celtics have been in a groove, winning their past four games. But on Wednesday, that streak might be hard to maintain with some key players out.
Per the Celtics’ Twitter account, Kemba Walker (knee), Marcus Smart (quad) and Daniel Theis (ankle) all will be out for the team’s game against the Orlando Magic. Tip off is set for 7:30 p.m. EST.
According to NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Forsberg, Celtics coach Brad Stevens does not expect the team to have any “major activity” at the deadline, which is set for Thursday at 3 p.m.
Walker has missed the past two games with knee soreness. In the six games prior to missing time, Walker was averaging 21.5 points and 5.7 assists. A four-time All-Star, Walker has been important for the Celtics’ success, being the team’s leading scorer and leading the team in assists.
As one of the best wing defenders in the league, Smart’s presence will be missed on the perimeter, especially against players such as Aaron Gordon and Evan Fournier. An athletic forward, Gordon is able to take players off the dribble, and Fournier is one of the Magic’s best shooters, hitting at a 39.6% clip from deep.
A third-year big man, Theis is having the best season of his career to date, averaging a career-high 8.1 points and career-high 6.1 rebounds. Theis is also playing the most minutes of his career (22.6) and shooting a career-best 55.0% from the field.
