Celtics News: Isaiah Thomas Could Miss Three More Games

Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas could miss three more games while he recovers from a bruised back, according to head coach Brad Stevens.

"[Team trainer] Ed [Lacerte] just said it's as tough of a bruise as he's ever seen," said Stevens. "Again, nobody wants to play more than that kid. That's what I appreciate about him. He had himself convinced that he was going to play the next day after he fell. But hopefully he gets better sooner rather than later. But we're not going to have him tonight, and I'd say it's unlikely that we'll have him for either of the next two.

"[Thomas] was moving a little bit better, went to the doctor again, but is still really sore. ... We're probably at least still three games away, which is too bad for him. He really wants to play. To say he is antsy is an understatement."

Thomas hurt himself against the Miami Heat on March 9. The team expected to have him back for Monday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers, but he hasn't been cleared to resume basketball activities.

"We need Isaiah," Stevens added. "I don't think there's any question about it: We're a better team with Isaiah. Every team is going through injuries, and every team has to fill the gaps when their best players aren't available."

Thomas is averaging 21.4 points and 5.4 assists coming off the bench in the 10 games he's played with Boston this season.

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