Celtics' Thomas to return from 8-game absence

The Boston Celtics are set to get the boost they've been looking for as the team attempts to secure one of the final playoff spots in the Eastern Conference. 

Prized trade deadline acquisition Isaiah Thomas will return from an eight-game absence for Wednesday's contest versus the Miami Heat. Thomas suffered a nasty fall on a drive to the basket earlier in the month and has been out with back and elbow pain since. 

"He's going (to) go ahead and play," Cletics head coach Brad Stevens said. "We'll see how that goes ... I think he'll play well. He's excited about playing."

The combo guard was on a tear and leading the team's second unit before sustaining the injury. He averaged 21.4 points and 5.4 assists while connecting on over two 3-pointers per game in 10 contests off the bench since joining the Celtics in a deal with the Phoenix Suns. 

Boston enters the night in sole possession of eighth place in the crowded East playoff race. Miami, seventh in the conference, has a one-game lead on the Celtics, while three other teams are on the outside looking in but within striking distance.