BOSTON -- Celtics guard Avery Bradley is back in the starting lineup for Monday's visit from the Hawks after missing 22 of the previous 23 games due to a right Achilles strain.
Bradley was initially sidelined in early January but tried to rush himself back. After returning for one game, he missed the next 18 consecutive games. The Celtics had hoped to have Bradley back coming out of the All-Star break but have exercised extreme caution with bringing him along.
Boston went 15-7 in the 22 games that Bradley missed.
"I wanted to come back like four weeks ago but I had to do what's smartest, and [the medical staff knows] a little better than me," Bradley said.