Rajon Rondo may play Opening Night vs Nets

Rajon Rondo suffered a broken hand on September 25 and underwent surgery to repair a metacarpal fracture the following day which is supposed to keep him out six to eight weeks. That timetable meant that Rondo would miss the Celtics season opener against the Nets on October 29. However, head coach Brad Stevens thinks that the star guard may be available come opening night in Boston.

#Celtics coach Brad Stevens: a chance Rajon Rondo could be cleared for contact by end of week, opening night still possible.

— Scott Souza (@scott_souza) October 20, 2014

Rondo wasn't as optimistic as his coach on Monday, but told MetroWest Daily News writer Scott Souza that it's plausible for him to play on the 29.

"I don’t know (about opening night). I still haven’t had any contact yet. The opener is still a little over a week away, so I don’t want to put any set goals. I just want to go as my hand heals."

The Nets and Celtics play their last preseason game against each other on Wednesday night, then will wait a week before Opening Night. Long enough to fuel speculation on whether Rondo will face off against a healthy Deron Williams.