Celtics eye return; Suns still on hold

The Celtics expect their unplanned weeklong hiatus because of coronavirus-related issues to end Friday, when they’re scheduled to play host to the Magic.

The Suns, however, have a bit more time off coming.

The Celtics will be without at least three players Friday, including All-Star forward Jayson Tatum, because of the league’s health and safety protocols. But four others are apparently on the cusp of satisfying their league-mandated time away from the team and are listed as questionable for Friday.

“I don’t think there’s an easy answer here,” Celtics coach Brad Stevens said Thursday after the team’s first time on the court together since a shootaround for a game Sunday against the Heat that ultimately was postponed. “This is a difficult time around the country. This pandemic is as rampant as it’s ever been and obviously we’re feeling some of that despite the great precautions and great steps we’re taking not to.”

Meanwhile, the Suns’ home game against the Pacers scheduled for Saturday was called off — the ninth postponement since the week began. The Suns will not have enough players eligible to play, largely because of contact tracing issues.

The Celtics had three games that would have been played between Sunday and Wednesday postponed because some players were positive and others were ruled out because contact tracing showed that they could have been exposed to the virus.

Leaguewide, 10 games this season have now been postponed and the NBA was reviewing if more games — including a Sunday game in Washington — would have to be pushed back. The Suns and Wizards were both scheduled to play Friday; those games were postponed because of contact-tracing issues.

„ ■ Pelicans F Zion Williamson was cleared to return to team activities. Last year’s No. 1 overall draft pick missed Wednesday night’s road loss to the Clippers because of inconclusive COVID-19 test results. Williamson later tested negative and will be available for Friday’s road game against the Lakers.