The Boston Celtics have made their way to Cleveland for Games 3 and 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Cavaliers. With a 2-0 series lead, the Celtics will be looking to close the proverbial door. However, it sounds like they'll continue to be without the services of point guard Shane Larkin, according to a report from A. Sherrod Blakely of NBC Sports Boston.
Blakely reports that Larkin, who has been dealing with a shoulder injury since Game 4 of Boston's series against the Philadelphia 76ers, is travelling with the Celtics, though he is not expected to play in the rest of this series.
Shane Larkin (shoulder) is with the #Celtics here in Cleveland and is improving. But Brad Stevens said he will not play in Games 3 and 4, with a return unlikely in this series.
— A. Sherrod Blakely (@ASherrodblakely) May 19, 2018
Earlier this week, Boston head coach Brad Stevens noted that Larkin was “progressing well.” Larkin was able to do some running, according to Blakely, but still had some discomfort catching and swinging the ball. With Larkin out of commission, Celtics fans should expect to see Terry Rozier and Marcus Smart picking up the extra minutes.
#NEBHInjuryReport: Shane Larkin (left shoulder injury) says that he does not have a timetable for a return.
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 19, 2018
In his 11 postseason appearances with the Celtics this season, Larkin racked up averages of 3.7 points on 45.7 percent shooting from the field (30.8 percent from beyond the arc), 1.8 assists and 1.0 rebound in 14.0 minutes per.
“I can get my arm above my ear, so that’s finally there,” Larkin told Jay King of The Athletic. I’m getting my full range of motion back. Now just working on my strength and trying to get back out there.”
Saturday's Game 3 matchup is set to tip inside Quicken Loans Arena at 8:30 p.m. EST with ESPN having live broadcast coverage.
Follow Us
Subscribe