Payton Pritchard has been sidelined by a Grade 1 MCL sprain in his right knee, tweets Shams Charania of The Athletic. The Celtics guard is expected to resume on-court activities in two weeks.
The injury occurred in the first quarter of Friday’s game against the Sixers when Jaylen Brown landed on Pritchard’s foot while chasing a rebound. Pritchard’s knee bent awkwardly and he had to be helped off the court.
The rookie out of Oregon has been a pleasant early-season surprise in Boston. He is averaging 7.7 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists through 14 games and has moved ahead of veteran guard Jeff Teague in the rotation.
The Celtics’ backcourt will be short-handed while Pritchard is out of action, notes Matt Vautour of MassLive. Kemba Walker, who returned from left knee soreness last weekend, is on a minutes restriction, while Carsen Edwards and Aaron Nesmith are already out of action.
Just going by last night Jeff Teague looks done. I want to say he looks horrible but I only saw him and focused on him last night. I never really noticed how crappy he was now. No wonder he’s available. Used to be decent LOL
Agree. He’s awful whenever they give him minutes, the same can be said of Grant Williams so far, and Thompson hasn’t really been that good either.
“No wonder he is available”? To do what? Babysit? Teague isn’t awful. He isn’t great either, but he is fine for a 3rd strong pg.
I should have said WAS available.. as a free agent for anyone to sign. He used to be a first-rate starter on a playoff team. Now he’s a third-stringer and a 6ft rookie plays ahead of him. ( I like Pritchard by the way, I think he’s gritty and smart and tough.)
Pritchard looks like a keeper.
Absolutely !!
In college Pritchard was a closer, fearless. He’s a smart player. Definitely a keeper.