Celtics Get 'Promising' News On Gallinari Injury

Boston Celtics fans were holding their breath when it was announced that new acquisition Danilo Gallinari suffered what was thought to be a serious knee injury during a World Cup qualifier with Italy. But imaging has provided a "best-case scenario".

Danilo Gallinari has suffered a meniscus tear in his left knee, the Italian national team announces. No ACL or ligament damage, the team says, which is best case for the Celtics forward following the non-contact injury on Saturday. https://t.co/NG8mS7O6pB

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 28, 2022

Gallinari's injury has been diagnosed as a meniscus tear in his left knee, according to the Italian national team. No ACL or ligament damage, as originally feared. Shams Charania called it a "best-case" scenario.

The injury occurred on a non-contact play on Saturday.

There is no timeline for the 34-year-old, though one report out of Europe says he'll be out 'at least two months.' Despite the positive news of no ligament damage, the recovery from this injury could take anywhere from weeks to months. 

I've seen some reports out of Italy that say Danilo Gallinari will be out until sometime in November.

I'd caution reading too much into that until we have a better idea when Gallinari is examined by the Celtics medial staff. But it looks hopeful this won't be a long-term injury.

— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) August 29, 2022

I need to defend my guy @KeithSmithNBA The variance in meniscus recoveries widely varies & depends on the location of the tear & subsequent treatment. We haven’t heard anything on Gallinari other than he has a meniscus injury. We need more info before a timeline can be estimated.

— Jeff Stotts (@InStreetClothes) August 29, 2022

According to sports injury expert Jeff Stotts, "the variance in meniscus recoveries widely varies & depends on the location of the tear & subsequent treatment." He also notes that there is no other news on Gallinari other than the fact that he has a meniscus injury. More info is needed to establish a return timeline. 

The Celtics signed the veteran sharpshooter back on July 1st. They were hoping that his 38% career 3-point shooting (three times over 40% in the last four years) would help space the floor, allowing even more room for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to operate. 

Photo: Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports