Kemba Walker has missed three consecutive games for the second time this season, this instance being the result of left knee soreness. (Last time was due to illness.) But he won’t miss a fourth game.
After Friday’s shootaround, Waker told reporters he expects to play against the Hawks. The team then officially announced the point guard is available.
Marcus Smart will also be back on the floor for the C’s. He missed the last two games with a right thigh contusion.
Jaylen Brown, Gordon Hayward and Daniel Theis, however, will not play for the Celtics on Friday.
Brown sprained his right ankle against the Magic. Hayward’s left foot is sore — though, Brad Stevens told reporters he is out for “A number of nagging things.” Theis, who is feeling much better, is still dealing with the right ankle sprain he sustained when the Celtics were in Atlanta on Monday.
Lastly, Robert Williams (left hip bone edema) remains sidelined.