Thomas expected to play in Game 1

The short break between rounds of the NBA playoffs didn’t provide much of a rest for Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas.

After the Celtics’ firstround series-clinching victory over Chicago on Friday night. Thomas flew to Tacoma, Wash., to attend his sister’s funeral. He was expected to fly cross-country again to arrive in Boston early Sunday morning, in time to play Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Wizards.

“It’s hard to think about how he feels right now,” Celtics coach Brad Stevens said Saturday.

Stevens said he and the rest of the team would have accompanied Thomas for support if there had been no game Sunday. Instead, president of basketball operations Danny Ainge and assistant coach Jerome Allen went with Thomas.

“I know it’s going to be hard on him,” guard Avery Bradley said. “But we’re going to make sure we’re here for him and we’re prepared. I’m sure he’s going to be prepared for the game.”

Thomas scored 12 points but played only 25 minutes in the 105-83

victory over the Bulls on Friday night, when Boston eliminated Chicago and advanced in the NBA playoffs for the first time since 2012. That earned the Celtics a second-round matchup with the Wizards, who eliminated the Atlanta Hawks in six games.

Wade’s future: Dwyane Wade isn’t ready to make any declarations about his future with the Bulls.

The 12-time All-Star and three-time champion is waiting for management to set the direction of the franchise. Then he’ll make up his mind: Stay with his hometown team for $23.8 million next season or look elsewhere.

“I don’t need to ring chase, but I can,” he said. “It’s a great luxury to have if I want to do. Or I can be a part of passing down my knowledge to younger players.”