Celtics' Thomas returns from 2-game absence vs. Wizards

BOSTON - Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas is back in the starting lineup Monday after missing the past two games with a bruised right knee.

Boston coach Brad Stevens made the announcement before his team's matchup against Washington. He said there was no limit on his minutes.

Thomas is the team's leading scorer at 29.2 points per game.

Boston enters the matchup 1+ games ahead of the Wizards for second place in the Eastern Conference, but they trail top-seeded Cleveland by 2+ games.