Stevens: Celtics G Thomas likely will not need surgery

Boston Celtics All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas likely will not require surgery on the injured hip that ended his season, according to coach Brad Stevens.

Thomas was shut down at halftime of Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers after aggravating a hip injury that had lingered since late in the regular season. The 28-year-old Thomas initially injured his hip during the third quarter of a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 15.

Stevens offered his assessment after spending part of Sunday with Thomas.

“(Thomas) was great,” Stevens said. “We didn’t run around at all. He’s got a follow-up with his doctor that he’s been working closely with either next week or 10 days out from now and then (they will) determine next step. But every indication is he feels good and he’ll be ready to go.

“… Everybody that I have talked to said it looked unlikely that they would need to (perform surgery). But I don’t want to speak in absolutes. I’m not a doctor, just a coach.”

Thomas finished fifth in MVP voting and secured a spot on the All-NBA second team after averaging 28.9 points during the regular season and 23.3 in the postseason.