Kyrie Irving's impending return might take longer than expected, as Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens hinted his star point guard wouldn't be necessarily available to take the court by the start of the playoffs.
Stevens noted Terry Rozier and Shane Larkin “will be our team when the playoffs start,” according to Marc D'Amico of Celtics.com — basically erasing any hope that Irving will take the reins once the first round of the postseason starts.
The Celtics are also without veteran backup Marcus Smart, who is recovering from thumb surgery and might miss some more playoff games as well.
This team has been hampered at the point guard position, forced to go to rookie Kadeem Allen; a natural shooting guard, to start at point guard against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Boston is in survival mode, but still within striking distance of the Toronto Raptors for first place, taking them on once again tonight, and able to shave another game of difference, despite suffering a close loss to the Bucks last night.
Following the Raptors game, the Celtics will play three non-playoff teams out of the four remaining, with the Washington Wizards on the road likely being the key to unlocking a tie for first place.
Irving's return would be of utmost importance regardless, as the leading scorer and veteran leader of this team — the only one in the entire roster with championship mettle.
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