'Playing It Safe' Isn't Easy For Celtics' Isaiah Thomas
BOSTON (CBS) -- Isaiah Thomas is used to playing through injuries.
Boston's pint-sized scorer takes a beating on the floor, the product of his aggressive nature on offense, but he never seems to miss any action.
That's what makes his current situation a unique one. A groin strain he suffered on Monday night in Houston will keep Thomas out for the second straight game on Friday night when his Celtics host the Toronto Raptors at the TD Garden.
Speaking with reporters at his "Season of Giving" event at the Celtics practice facility in Waltham (surprising each child in attendance with a special gift), Thomas said it's not easy for him to miss any time on the floor, whether that be game action or in practice. But he's going to play it safe with this injury so it doesn't turn into something bigger.
"It's day to day. I want to play, I want to be out there, but it's a smart decision to just hold out and wait for it to be 100 percent. If it was a playoff game I'd be out there for sure," said Thomas. "I have to be smart about this. I don't want it to linger on for the rest of the season.
"I feel good. I can walk without a limp," he said. "It's just my game is a lot of stop-and-go and change of direction. I have to be very cautious of this injury. Like everyone is saying, it's something that could linger and be worse. When I'm able to be myself on the floor, I'll be out there. We'll see within the next few days."
Thomas did not have a time frame for his return, but said he will be making the trip to Oklahoma City for Boston's tilt with the Thunder on Sunday, opening the door for a potential return this weekend.
"The only reason I won't make that trip is they try not to play me," he said with a smile. "We'll see."
His absence Wednesday night in Boston's win over the Orlando Magic broke up a string of 103 straight games played for the point guard, despite the fact that he's battled a slew of injuries during that stretch.
"It's hard for me to play it safe, because I don't usually sit out. It's eating me alive to have to sit, but I have to do what's best for my body and what's best for this team," he said. "I have to be 100 percent healthy to give this team what I can give them."
Thomas, Boston's leading scorer at 26 points per game, was proud of the way his team played in their 117-87 win over the Magic, and knows they'll bring the same intensity Friday night against the Raptors.
"I trust those guys. They played a hell of a game [in Orlando] and they'll be ready [Friday against Toronto]," he said with confidence. "Nobody is feeling sorry for us because I'm out, so guys have to step up and take advantage of the opportunity."
One of those players who stepped up was Terry Rozier, who scored 16 points off the bench on Wednesday.
"He's ready for that moment," Thomas said of the young guard, now in his second year in the NBA. "I'm happy to see him playing really well. He was a big part of that win, and [rookie] Jaylen Brown as well. Those guys need to step up during this time and I know they will."
