Boston Celtics News: Jae Crowder Expected to Miss a Week with Sprained Ankle
Boston Celtics will be without another key contributor for at least a week.
The Boston Celtics are 3-1 this season, but still haven’t had their team at full strength. According to various sources, forward Jae Crowder is expected to miss at least a week after spraining his left ankle Wednesday night during the Celtic’s 107-100 victory over the Chicago Bulls.
The injury couldn’t have come as a worst time for the team who were already without Al Horford (Concussion). The injury occurred with 4:40 left in the second quarter when Crowder landed on the foot of Rajon Rondo after jumping to make a pass. The tough forward was in obvious pain as he laid on the floor before he eventually hopped off the floor and was later seen exiting TD Garden on crutches.
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Celtics head coach Brad Stevens tried to shed some light on the injury following the game.
"“Jae sprained his ankle,” Stevens told reporters following the game. “That’s all I know. I was told that it would be at least a week and then we’ll see after, but I don’t think we’re into it enough to make an assessment on that timeline. It doesn’t sound like he’ll be back any time soon.”"
Crowder was having a good game at that point. He scored 10 points and really added some intensity on the floor. In his absence, other players will need to step up as they did the remainder of the game. With Horford also out, that may be a tall task for a team that may have to turn to a small lineup until both players return.
Who steps up in Crowder’s absence?
Again, the Celtics will probably turn to some small ball. That means increased minutes for Marcus Smart and Gerald Green off the bench. Jonas Jerebko will more than likely get the start in Crowder’s place, but young players like Jordan Mickey and James Young could also see more time on the court.
Young could get an opportunity to show that he belongs in this league, especially if he shows the hustle and offensive improvement that he showed in the preseason.
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