The Boston Celtics are tied at 1-1 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Celtics have a big enough obstacle, giving Cleveland a homecourt advantage without Kristaps Porzingis. However, a familiar face returning to the floor – Dean Wade – could make the series even harder to win.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst revealed on ESPN Cleveland’s “The Really Big Show” that Wade plans to return for Game 3.
“I think Dean Wade is planning on playing tomorrow,” Windhorst said. “I don’t know what he’ll get because the Cavs haven’t really announced what’s going on in his knee. He’s really worked hard to make this happen.”
Windhorst added what Wade could give them even if he’s not at 100%.
“I don’t know how much he can give them, but just giving J.B. (Bickerstaff) lineup versatility, being that they got to watch him in pregame workout and everything, but I think he’s hoping to play tomorrow.”
Wade has not played since March 8. He has been with the Cavaliers since 2019 and has elevated himself into a full-time rotation player. His insertion could open many doors for the Cavaliers for the rest of their series against the Celtics.
Dean Wade Helped the Cavaliers Beat Celtics in Comeback
Wade has been regarded as a Celtics killer because he helped the Cavaliers come from over 20 points down to beat the Celtics during the 2023-24 season.
Three days before Wade played his last regular season game, he scored 23 points against the Celtics, a season-high for him. 20 of which came in the fourth quarter.
