Wallace Sits Out of Practice

Celtics forward Gerald Wallace sat out of practice on Thursday after receiving a minor knee injection. Coach Brad Stevens said he should be available to play on Saturday night when Boston takes on the Houston Rockets.

"I think it became planned in the last few days," Stevens said. "From what I've been told it's just a one-day recovery." [Boston Herald]

No Love Lost for KG & the Celtics

It's hard to believe that only 15-months have gone by since Celtics fans watched Kevin Garnett hold up another jersey that was not green. That press conference in Brooklyn was the beginning of another chapter in the Hall-of-Fame career of the one that became known as 'The Big Ticket'. That July afternoon in 2013 seemed so long ago, and KG is now in year- two with the Nets and in his 20th season overall.

Last night marked only Garnett's second return to the TD Garden, a place he called 'home' for six years. Unfortunately for the Nets, they opened up their season with a, 121-105, loss to Boston. While it's always good to return to a familiar place, in this case, a win over his former team would have made his 'welcome back' that much better.

Celtics 121 - Nets 105: Rondo Returns in Home Opener Win

Boston - It was a special night at the TD Garden full of hope for a returning captain, the official debut of the sixth overall draft pick and of course the first Gino sighting of the season. Rajon Rondo reminded us all why he's still one of the league's elite point guards; when he he nearly recorded his 30th career triple-double on Wednesday night against the Nets. Instead he settled for 13 points, 12 assists and 7 rebounds in a 121-105 Celtics victory over Brooklyn to open up the regular season.

Podcast: Celtics Season Preview

We're back! Another season for the Boston Celtics opens up tonight and we at Causeway Street Blog are bringing you a brand new episode of our podcast! Listen to our season preview as we discuss the 'possible' return of captain Rajon Rondo. Plus after a monstrous preseason for Jared Sullinger, could this be his breakout year? We answer these questions and much more in our season opener of the Causeway Street Podcast. Tune in and don't forget to also follow us on Sound Cloud to catch all episodes this season (SoundCloud.com/CausewayStreetPodcast).

Eastern Conference Preview: How the Celtics Stack Up

It's no secret the NBA is dominated by the depth and talent out in the Western Conference. The Celtics have benefited from the lack of Eastern Conference depth in the past.  The post Michael Jordan years and pre-LeBron domination years of the Eastern Conference were very generous to the up and coming Celtics at that time.

From 2001 to 2005 a team led by two young inexperienced all stars in Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker were able to make the playoffs four consecutive years, and also earn a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals.  They benefited so much so from a weak Eastern Conference from 2003-2005, that both seasons they would have been left out of the playoffs in the West, including 04-05 when they won the Atlantic Division with a record of 45-37. They would have been tied for 8th that year if they played in the West with the Memphis Grizzlies. Not to take anything away from those Celtics teams, but it definitely sped up the rebuild process during those years.

C's Waive Bynum, Finalize Roster

The deadline to finalize NBA team's rosters was at 5 PM today, and the Boston Celtics have decided to waive point guard Will Bynum to drop to the league max of 15-players before the start of the 2014-15 regular season. After Danny Ainge was unable to find a trade partner to take on Bynum's contract, the C's will have to eat $2.9 million of the veteran's salary.

The Celtics acquired Bynum from the Pistons in exchange for Joel Anthony about 10 days ago. Even though the team remains well under the luxary tax line ($76.8 million) with roughly $74.8 million in guaranteed contracts entering the season, Ainge was hoping to get rid of Bynum's $2.9 million via a trade instead of waiving him.

Rondo: '79 [percent] right now'

There is still a chance Rajon Rondo won't be missing any games this season. Celtics' injured point guard told reporters that there is a 79-percent chance he'll play in Wednesday's season opener against the Brooklyn Nets.

Rondo participated in full-contact scrimmages last week with his teammates but still isn't sure if he'll be ready to play Wednesday night. The next two days of practices will determine if Rondo's left hand heals in time.

Celtics Progress Report

The Boston Celtics will play their home opener on Wednesday October 29 against the Brooklyn Nets at the TD Garden. It's Tip-off week here on Causeway Street and we have graded all the players. After the C's went 5-3 in the preseason, here's a look at our results before the real games begin. Four out of the team's five wins were considered blowouts, and while back-to-backs seemed to be an issue over the last three weeks, there were some positives to take away from exhibition play.

Here's what our report card looks like:

Celtics Claim Eddie off Waivers

The Boston Celtics currently have 16 guaranteed contracts on their roster. With only five days left before the start of the regular season, Danny Ainge decided to make an addition instead of trimming down to the NBA max of 15-players.

Ainge announced on Friday that the team had claimed 6'7 swingman Jarell Eddie off of waivers. The rookie forward had previously been cut by the Atlanta Hawks a few days ago. This gives the front office an opportunity to have a look at this new prospect through the weekend before deciding to either keep or send him to the Maine Red Claws.

Stevens on When Will Rondo Return; "It's not my call"

All week Celtics fans have been teased with the idea that Rajon Rondo could be ready to go for the season opener against the Brooklyn Nets next Wednesday night at the TD Garden. After being cleared for full contact a few days ago, coach Brad Stevens remains optimistic about having his guard back in the lineup sooner rather than later.

If it were up to Rondo himself, we would have already witnessed him in some capacity over the last few exhibition games. You'd get a sense of where he was with his rehabilitation. But unfortunately the only ones that can make that call is the Celtics medical staff. A recent MRI showed early signs that the fractured bone in Rondo's left hand is healing well ahead of schedule, but the only way he gets the green light to play Wednesday or at all, is if the bone continues it's progression once it's reevaluated in the upcoming days.

C's Cruise Past the Nets in Finale

Boston - The Celtics came into the TD Garden having won two in a row on Wednesday night and were looking to end their preseason on a high note. Marcus Smart got his sixth start at point guard, as he didn't disappoint his coaches, leading the C's to a 100-86 victory over the Nets in the process.

Smart; this year's sixth overall pick led the way with 16 points going 5-for-8 from the field. He also handed out 4 assists in 16 minutes, which also included a steal. The rookie had his most balanced exhibition game, knowing when to shoot the 3 (2-5) while also taking it to the basket in limited playing time.

Celtics looking at trade destinations for Will Bynum

Celtics' newest guard, Will Bynum, could be waived or traded within the next few days.

According to the Boston Herald's Mark Murphy, Danny Ainge and Mark Bartelstein, Bynum's agent, have been discussing trade destinations for Bynum.

"We're trying to see if there is something we can do," said Bartelstein. [Boston Herald]

Injury Updates on Rondo & Young

It's been a little over three weeks since Celtics captain Rajon Rondo had surgery to repair a bone fracture in his left hand. After a recent MRI showed encouraging signs ahead of the two-month schedule (the timeline initially believed it would take the bone to heal), Brad Stevens isn't ruling out a possible opening night return for his starting point guard.

"He had a scan on his hand and he's progressing great," said the Celtics coach. "There's a chance he could be cleared to do some stuff by the end of the week." [Boston Herald]

With the season opener a week from today; Oct 29 vs the Brooklyn Nets at the TD Garden, Rondo would only be a month removed from his procedure. Even though he thought he be back sooner than what the team doctors originally estimated for recovery time, the guard is not making any promises.

Celtics trim Roster to 16

Coach Brad Stevens announced that the team will waive four players.

All of Celtics' non-guaranteed contracts will be released; Tim Frazier, Rodney McGruder, Christian Watford, and Erik Murphy. Stevens added that although Fraizer will stay with the team through tomorrow's preseaon finale against the Brooklyn Nets, he will be waived afterwards.

Celtics Acquire Bynum From Pistons

The Boston Celtics have officially acquired veteran point guard Will Bynum from the Detroit Pistons in exchange for center Joel Anthony. The move announced earlier today, will provide the C's with some roster flexiablity. Anthony was set to make $3.8 million this season while Bynum will earn $2.9 million. The swap will save the team about $900,000 in salary and keep them under the tax-line.

C's Drop Second Straight vs Raptors, Third Overall

Portland, ME - It was the return of Jeff Green in his preseason debut, as he scored the Celtics first two points 15 second into the game. An assist from none other than Evan Turner who was also making his 'debut' as the team's starting point guard. It appeared it was going to be a good night in Portland, Maine. But in the end, Turner was ejected late in the third quarter, and Jared Sullinger missed the game tying 3-pointer that would send it to overtime. The Raptors had beaten Boston 92-89 for their second victory over the C's in five days.

Green Ready For Debut

Celtics nation finally get to see Uncle Jeff back in the lineup. After missing nine days with a strained left calf, Jeff Green returned to practice on Monday.  He's set to start tonight in his preseason debut against the Raptors in Portland, Maine.

“I thought he did fine. I’ve got no reports otherwise, so I’m assuming he’s going to be ready (to play),” coach Brad Stevens said on Green's last two full-practices. “No talk about limiting minutes, other than we haven’t played anyone what I would consider to be normal minutes yet. [Wednesday] will be part of his conditioning.” [Boston Herald]

Sullinger shining in preseason so far

For a young rebuilding Celtics team who's without their two best players, Rajon Rondo and Jeff Green, it's encouraging to see a promising big man play at such a high level.

Jared Sullinger has been the best player on the floor throughout these four games, showing overall growth as an NBA player.

After four games, Sullinger is averaging 21.1 points, 12 rebounds and 4.7 assists. Although his stats are only throughout four preseason games against teams in the NBA's worst division, we could be watching a sneak peak of Sullinger's upcoming season.

Sullinger, who is entering his third season, has been battling injuries throughout his short NBA career. After he was reportedly flagged by several teams for back issues, the Celtics were fortunate in drafting him 21st in the 2012 NBA Draft. He ended up missing the second half of his rookie season due to a back injury, and then suffered a dislocated right index finger last season.

Faverani undergoes second surgery in Spain, could be waived

At the start of training camp, Vitor Faverani told reporters that he was healthy and ready to go, but his condition since then has worsened and it could cost him a spot on the Celtics' regular season roster.

Faverani headed to Spain today for a second opinion on his surgically repaired left knee, which resulted in another surgery.

Today, the Celtics released a statement via Twitter that coach Brad Stevens says Faverani's surgery was successful and that he will be out for 6-8 weeks. The Celtics center headed to Spain after undergoing two MRIs; both were inconclusive. 

Celtics fall short against Raptors

Toronto - After back-to-back blowout wins against the Knicks and 76ers, the Celtics faced their toughest opponent thus far, and suffered their first defeat of the preseason.

Celtics were in control for three quarters before the Raptors went on a 29-16 fourth quarter run, sealing a 109-116, Toronto victory.

Bradley was impressive, scoring 22 points on 9-15, including 4-5 from behind the arc in 20 minutes. 20 of his 22 points came in the first half. But unfortunately, Avery's night came to an end in the third quarter when he suffered a foot injury and never returned.

Young Suffers Hamstring Injury

The growing pains continue for the former Kentucky Wildcat and 13th overall draft James Young. The swingman strained his left hamstring before the Celtics preseason opener on Monday. One would say ' things like this happen all the time, no big deal,' right? But in this case, the rookie just so happened to not inform anyone of his injury.

As Steve Bulpett; of the Boston Herald first reported, Young did not tell anybody that he had tweaked the hamstring. This type of injury when gone untreated or ignored can make matters worst. In this case the 19-year-old decided to not only keep it to himself but he also played 20 min in Monday night's 98-78 win over the 76ers. He went on tho score 10 points, feeling good about his play until the next morning.

After significant pain on Tuesday before practice, the rook couldn't keep quiet anymore. Young caught everyone by surprised when they had learned of his situation, and questioned why he had taken almost two days to say anything?

Sully & Smart Find Shooting Touch in C's Win

Hartford - It was the same story of great defense, plus some much better shooting that gave the Celtics a 106-86 win over the Knicks on Wednesday night. Even though the XL Center was split with both New York and Boston fans, the C's were technically considered the home team in another 20-point victory to go 2-0 in the young preseason.

Jared Sullinger led all scorers with 23 points (9-of-12 shooting from the field) including making all three of his 3-point attempts, while grabbing 5 rebounds in 23 minutes of action. Celtics rookie Marcus Smart got his second consecutive start as his shooting improved vastly from Monday night; going 4-of-8 (2-of-4 from the 3) adding 11 points, dishing out 6 assists and hauling down 4 rebounds. Marcus Thornton also chipped in with 12 points and 3 steals in his 20 minutes off the bench, as five players finished in double figures in the win.

Gerald Wallace plans to make Jeff Green a star

Entering his 14th NBA season, Gerald Wallace is content playing for a young rebuilding Celtics team.

In fact, this season Wallace is taking on the task of helping Jeff Green reach his full potential as a basketball player.

"I've made a great relationship with Jeff," Wallace said. "And like I told him, 'I'm going to be on you all year long" [Boston Herald]

Olynyk, Sullinger shine in scrimmage

The Boston Celtics showcased their talents in front of season ticket holders and the media at their annual intra-squad scrimmage last night at the TD Garden.

In two 12-minute quarters, those in attendance got a firsthand look at the 2014-2015 Celtics roster. Celtics big men Jared Sullinger, who was on the Green team, and Kelly Olynyk, who was on the White team, got things going early in the scrimmage. Olynyk scored nine of the White team's first 15 points which led his White team to a, 33-17, victory.

Rondo hopes to return Opening Night

Rajon Rondo broke a bone in his hand, had surgery, wears a cast on his arm, but still wants to be in uniform and ready to go for the start of the season.

In a recent interview with CSNNE's Mike Gorman, Rondo said he hopes that his hand heals soon and that he doesn't want to miss any games this season.

"They're telling me six to eight [weeks]. But that means nothing to me," Rondo said, when asked how long will he be out for. [CSNNE]

Celtics Impressed With Zeller

It's been a very busy 48 hours of training camp thus far for the Boston Celtics. Besides the auditioning for a starting point guard in the absence of Rajon Rondo. Brad Stevens has also been working very closely with his centers including newcomer Tyler Zeller.

The 7-footer arrived here in July as part of a three-team-trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers. In the short time he has been in Boston, Zeller is starting to already make a name for himself with his new teammates and coaches. Though he's only officially participated in a few practices and scrimmages, Stevens likes what he sees.

Turner Looking to Make a Point

Tuesday was the official start of training camp for the Boston Celtics. While all eyes were on Rajon Rondo during media day and his sling, the question remained who is going to step up to the plate in his absence for the next 8-10 weeks? Since the captain is nursing a broken left hand, coach Brad Stevens elected to put the ball in the hands of Evan Turner.