Isaiah Thomas has not yet taken the floor as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, as the All-Star point guard continues to recover from a well documented hip injury. However, Thomas is nearing a return to the court to the point where there is now an official projection of when he will suit up for the first time.
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On New Year's Day, it was announced that Thomas will be available when the Cavs face the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday.
Let IT begin!@isaiahthomas will make his season debut tomorrow night in #CavsBlazers. pic.twitter.com/6FVVKknG0l
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) January 1, 2018
It was quickly noted, though, that Thomas will not be able to play in a much anticipated match-up against his former team in the Boston Celtics on Wednesday.
Isaiah Thomas will make his long-awaited return to the court tomorrow against the #Blazers. He will NOT play in Boston. #Cavaliers #Celtics
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) January 1, 2018
It makes sense on a number of levels that the Cavs would not want to expose Thomas to a heightened atmosphere against Boston, as Kyrie Irving will also face his former team and Thomas could be almost overly motivated on the heels of the trade. Still, the stated reason is that Thomas will avoid back-to-backs and, for good measure, he will be on a minutes restriction.
Ty says @isaiahthomas will be on a minutes restriction and will not start vs Por..will not play in 2nd night of back to backs, meaning will sit Bos game
— Fred McLeod (@CavsFredMcLeod) January 1, 2018
It remains to be seen as to how Thomas will look but, just one season ago, he averaged 28.9 points and 5.9 assists per game as the leader for the Celtics. With the point guard available, Cleveland's team ceiling lifts considerably and, if nothing else, his return is an impressive accomplishment considering the severity of the injury.
