Isaiah Thomas Injury: Updates on Celtics Guard's Groin and Return

Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas hasn't played since Dec. 5 against the Houston Rockets as a result of a groin injury. His official playing status against the Toronto Raptors on Friday has yet to be announced.Continue for updates.Ainge Comments on Thomas' Injury, Potential ReturnThursday, Dec. 8ESPN'sChris Forsberg noted that Celticsgeneral manager and president of basketball operations Danny Ainge announced onToucher & Richthat Thomas received aPRP injection for his groin injury on Wednesday. Forsberg also noted that Ainge "hinted" that Thomas would not play on Friday against Toronto.Latest on Thomas' Practice StatusTuesday, Dec. 6Celtics Need Thomas Healthy for Playoff PushThomas was durable last season, appearing in all 82 games, which was critical for a Boston team that made the playoffs. Losing him for extended time would be a significant blow considering he was their leading scorer and assister in 2015-16.Thomas averaged a career-high 22.2 points, 6.2 assists and 1.1 steals per game and shot 35.9 percent from three-point range last season. He has followed that up with 26 points, 6.1 assists and 2.6 rebounds per gamein 2016-17.In addition to his shooting, Thomas can slice through defenders off the bounce with impressive quickness, which allows him to either finish at the rim or hit open teammates when opponents collapse.He made his first career All-Star appearance last season and was also a formidable perimeter defender, forcing opponents to shoot 6.1 percent worse than their normal averages from three-point range, per NBA.com.The Celtics will miss Thomas on both sides of the floor if he is out, but head coach Brad Stevens does have some replacements.Marcus Smart will likely assume some of the point guard duties, although he is more of a defender than a go-to scorer.Avery Bradleycan also handle the ball, and Stevens can turn to reserves such as Terry Rozierfor more minutes.Boston has some pieces to fill in, but this is not as dangerous of a team in a potential playoff series without its All-Star.
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