Prior to the Boston Celtics’ preseason matchup against the Orlando Magic, a road game that marks Boston’s second preseason bout of 2019-20, Celtics head coach Brad Stevens announced that starting point guard Kemba Walker will miss Friday’s contest with a sore (inflamed) knee.
Walker, a three-time All-Star who was named as an All-NBA selection (3rd-team) for the first time in 2018-19, has played in at least 79 games in each of the last four seasons. That said, he’s typically a tough, durable player and his knee issues shouldn’t keep him out for an extended period of time, especially as he participated in shootaround.
However, it will be something to watch out for in what’s often characterized as a long and grueling NBA season.
The Celtics acquired Walker in a sign-and-trade with the Charlotte Hornets this offseason and the nine-year veteran will be under contract with Boston for the next four seasons, barring a trade. He tallied 12 points and four assists in his preseason debut with the Celtics, a 107-106 win over Charlotte in the 2019-20 preseason opener.
