BOSTON — Boston Celtics point guard Kyrie Irving, sidelined the past two games due to eye irritation, participated fully in Sunday’s offday workout and said he plans to return to action Monday night against the Brooklyn Nets.
“[Eyes are] OK. Right eye had a scratch in it, left is just really inflamed, so just kind of waiting for it to kind of calm down,” said Irving. "It’s going to take time, but I’ll be ready for [Monday].”
Irving noted he went back to watch the play he got injured on to ensure that San Antonio’s Marco Belinelli didn’t intentionally scratch him.
"I make my living with my eyes. My whole entire body, but my eyes are just one of the most important things that I need to play this game,” said Irving. “[The right eye] was swollen, and there was light sensitivity after the initial hit. Watched it a few times, trying to figure out whether or not it was malicious or not, but I don’t think it was. So I’ll let it go. But I got hit pretty good, and I’m just glad to get a few days rest, as well.”
The Celtics removed Irving from their injury report after Sunday’s practice. Boston is also hoping to get back Marcus Morris, who participated fully in practice after missing Friday’s game while recovering from a sore neck.
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Morris is listed as probable and Celtics coach Brad Stevens said that the team would wait to see how Morris responds to practice before making a final determination on his status for Monday’s game.
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“[The neck is] a lot better. I've been working on it the last three days,” said Morris. "Motion’s better. Feels good.”
Pressed on if he plans to play, Morris added, "Probably more than likely.”
Celtics rookie Robert Williams, inactive the past five games while dealing with a groin injury that he believes he suffered during the team’s shootaround in Houston, practiced Sunday but is questionable for Monday’s game.
"Feeling good, trying to get myself right, mentally, sitting out as much as I’ve been sitting out my rookie year,” said Williams. “But just putting all my trust into the trainers, hoping they get me back in good time and speed.”
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Williams said the team is simply taking it day-by-day as he seeks to return to action. Stevens has lamented how Williams’ injury came at a time when Boston’s big-man depth was depleted and likely cost Williams some potential game reps.
Boston big man Aron Baynes, sidelined by a broken hand, is expected to have a follow-up appointment this week that might offer more clarity on his return timeline.
“[Baynes] does shooting on his own, conditioning on the bike, all that stuff,” said Stevens. "But he hasn't engaged in any team drills or anything like that. I think he goes back to the doctor tomorrow or Tuesday, to get it re-evaluated and get a better idea of his timeline.”
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