Kelly Olynyk targeting Sunday return

The Boston Celtics just won't fall out of the Eastern Conference playoff race, whether they want to in the larger scheme of things or not. And now they're getting reinforcements.

Kelly Olynyk could return Sunday, solidifying the Celtics' frontcourt following the loss of Jared Sullinger. Olynyk has been sidelined since Jan. 22 due to a right ankle sprain, costing him 16 games, including Friday. 

Head coach Brad Stevens said the team is hopeful Olynyk can participate in a full practice Saturday and called the Canadian questionable for Sunday.

The No. 13 overall pick in 2013, Olynyk had taken nice strides in his sophomore season before the injury. While he's unlikely to ever be even average on defense, Olynyk has become an effective offensive piece, helping space the floor and creating for others from the elbows. 

In 40 games, he's averaging 11.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists with an above-average 15.9 player efficiency rating.

Brandon Bass and Tyler Zeller have been starting of late, and it's unclear if Olynyk will supplant one of them or come off the bench upon his return.

In any role, he could help the team close the one-game gap between Boston and the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. Only two-and-a-half games separate six teams for the final two East playoff spots, so even a marginal addition could be the difference between playing and watching games in mid-April.