Celtics big man Kelly Olynyk is expected to miss at least a month of action, A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com reports. Olynyk sprained his ankle during the fourth quarter of Boston’s 90-89 win over the Trail Blazers on Thursday night. The 23-year-old will undergo further testing this weekend to determine the exact extent of his injury, Steve Bulpett of The Boston Herald reports (Twitter link). The Celtics currently have the league maximum of 15 players in their roster, which includes Andre Dawkins, who inked a 10-day contract with the team today. Boston would need to release or trade a player if it wishes to add more frontcourt depth.
“He’s unlikely to be available until potential right at or after the All-Star break,” Celtics coach Brad Stevens said of Olynyk. “I think it’s a sprained ankle. The MRI will tell us more but he got it pretty good. It wasn’t just a twist.” Stevens also confirmed that the center has returned to Boston for further medical attention and testing, Blakely notes.
Olynyk has appeared in 40 games for the Celtics this season, including 13 as a starter. In 24.5 minutes per of action per night he is averaging 11.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. Olynyk’s career averages since being selected with the No. 13 pick in the 2013 NBA draft are 9.6 PPG, 5.3 RPG, and 1.6 APG. His career slash line is .482/.352/.757.