NBA Playoffs: Will Celtics’ Isaiah Thomas play in Game 1 vs. Bulls?

After the tragic death of his sister, many, especially Boston fans, are wondering if Isaiah Thomas will suit up for Game 1.

Will Isaiah Thomas play in Game 1 vs. the Chicago Bulls?

That is seemingly the question on everybody’s mind as tipoff draws near. There is a tragic reason for Thomas to miss the Celtics playoff opener. On Apr. 15, his sister, Chyna J. Thomas, was killed in a one-car accident in Federal Point, WA.

The loss of his sister couldn’t have come at the worst time for Thomas. All eyes will be on him during Boston’s first-round matchup against a Bulls team that will be thirsting for an upset. With Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade along with a cast of playoff-tested players, Chicago is, without a doubt, the team most likely to blow up playoff brackets.

That may be the main reason Thomas feels it’s important to play in Game 1 at the TD Banknorth Garden. Celtics coach Brad Stevens believes Thomas will be in the starting lineup for Game 1, but, even if he decides to play, how effective will he actually be on the court?

That’s a question that many Celtics fans must ponder given the circumstances.

So what should Thomas do? If he decides that the loss is too much for him to play through and he sits out, the Celtics aren’t that good enough to fend off the playoff-hardened Bulls in Game 1, and they can’t really afford to get behind the eight ball against Chicago.

On the other hand, if he plays and he’s not effective, the Celtics will be in the same position as if he didn’t play. So there is the dilemma that has sadly presented himself, both to Thomas and the Celtics.

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Will Thomas suit up for Game 1? This is one of those questions we may have to wait to game time to find out.