Jordan Walsh to hitch Maine Celtics for playoff debut

The Maine Celtics playoffs start on Tuesday night time towards the Capital Metropolis Go-Go, and the Celtics’ G League affiliate can be bolstered by the addition of Jordan Walsh, who can be becoming a member of his former Maine teammates.

Walsh has solely performed one G League recreation this season — in December, when he requested to spend the Celtics’ time off with the Maine Celtics. He was extremely efficient in that contest, recording 20 factors (8-12 FG), 5 rebounds, an help, a block, and a steal.

“I’d have been simply sitting in my crib doing nothing,” Walsh mentioned then. “It is a approach higher various.”

Walsh has performed sparingly with the Celtics this season, averaging 7.8 minutes in 46 video games. He’s averaged 1.6 factors and 1.2 rebounds an evening, taking pictures 37.1% from the sphere and 28.3% from past the arc. He noticed extra in depth on-court alternatives earlier within the season, with Sam Hauser and Jaylen Brown battling numerous, however hasn’t performed a lot in March, taking part in a complete of simply 9 minutes on the Celtics’ current six-game street journey.

The Maine Celtics face the Capital Metropolis Go-Go on Monday night time

The Maine Celtics have been led by JD Davison this season, who’s within the working for G League MVP after averaging 25.1 factors, 7.5 assists, and 5.2 rebounds this season. He’s shot 48.1% from the sphere and a career-best 33.3% from three.

Two-way gamers Drew Peterson and Miles Norris have additionally been integral to Maine. Peterson has averaged 20 factors, 7 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per recreation this season, whereas Norris has averaged 14.5 factors and 6.3 rebounds in 8 video games with Maine since signing a two-way with the Celtics final month.

Davison, Walsh, and Peterson all led the Maine Celtics of their playoff run final 12 months, during which they made a run on the Finals however fell to the Oklahoma Metropolis Blue within the three video games. The Maine Celtics have by no means gained a G League championship — and are prioritizing getting it finished this season.

“They actually need to win,” Tyler Lashbrook, Maine’s head coach, advised CelticsBlog final month. “And I feel that makes us particular.”

Different returners on the squad embrace heart James Banks III and Jordan Shakel. Banks III has been notably instrumental for the Celtics this season. Since returning to Maine midseason, he’s began in all of his 21 video games, averaging 5.4 factors and 6.2 assists.

The opening recreation of the playoffs between the Celtics and the Go-Go will tip off at 8pm ET on ESPNU on the Portland Expo. If the Celtics win, they’ll advance to face the Westchester Knicks within the subsequent spherical of the playoffs.