Walker taking his time as Celts look to resume play

BOSTON — For now the season debut of Celtics point guard Kemba Walker remains in a holding pattern.

The Celtics haven’t played a game in nearly a week thanks to the recent rash of coronavirus cases that continues to cause postponements across the league. Walker would love to provide the team with an available body, but for now the All-Star point guard isn’t rushing his return.

“I’m definitely going to make the best decision for myself, but honestly I’m feeling pretty good right now,” Walker said. “I know I did say I was feeling really good the last time before the bubble, which I was. But it was just the timing in between just wasn’t really beneficial for me.”

Boston has had its past three games postponed because of opponents being shorthanded due to players being in the NBA’s health and safety protocols. The Celtics have had as many as nine players in the protocol, including Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Seven players remain there, with three — Tatum, Robert Williams and Carsen Edwards — ruled out for Friday’s scheduled matchup with Orlando.

Walker practiced Thursday but has been ruled out for the Magic game.

He hasn’t played this season after receiving a stem cell injection in his left knee prior to the start of training camp. The procedure came after he injured his knee prior to the resumption of last season in the Florida bubble. He returned to play during the playoffs but has since acknowledged he wasn’t fully healthy during Boston’s run to the Eastern Conference finals.