The Boston Celtics’ defensive star Avery Bradley had to exit Game 1 versus the Atlanta Hawks because of an apparent hamstring injury in the second half.
Avery Bradley has been Brad Stevens’ go-to defensive player out on the wing for the last several seasons. He’s quickly becoming one of the NBA’s best wing defenders and has been a crucial player in the Boston Celtics’ rapid rise under Stevens.
In Game 1 versus the Atlanta Hawks, Bradley had to exit the game after pulling his hamstring in the second half. This was a tough blow for the Celtics and if Bradley has to miss significant time in this tight series between Eastern Conference rivals, it could inevitably sway the series in the Hawks’ favor.
Bradley would normally cover the quick-footed point guard of the Hawks in Jeff Teague, as the Celtics All-Star point Isaiah Thomas doesn’t have the foot speed to stick with Teague. Any absence for Bradley caused by this hamstring injury would put a great deal of pressure on Marcus Smart.
Smart is a great defensive wing in his own right, but if the Celtics want to advance deep in these Eastern Conference Playoffs, they will need Bradley’s high defensive acumen.
From the looks of the initial injury, Bradley couldn’t put weight on his right leg. He could be listed as day-to-day with this hamstring injury, but he will need all of his foot speed to keep pace with the greased lightning point guard duo in Atlanta in both Teague and his backup Dennis Schroder.
According to USA Today, Bradley has been diagnosed with with a strained right hamstring and his status going forward is undecided. He may just need a day or so’s worth of rest before Game 2 Tuesday night in Atlanta. However, should the Celtics training staff deem his injury too severe, Bradley could miss some significant time in these playoffs due to his hamstring injury.
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