Isaiah Thomas will make his season debut with the Cleveland Cavs tonight as they host the Portland Trail Blazers. However, Thomas won't play tomorrow night in the second game of a back-to-back when the Cavs travel to Boston for the first time since the trade.
The Celtics had originally planned to honor Thomas' return with a tribute video tomorrow night, but since he won't be suiting up he requested that they don't play the video package.
According to a Celtics spokesperson (H/T MassLive.com), the team still plans on paying tribute to Thomas at a later date. Today, Thomas explained why he asked the team not to show the video.
The 28-year old point guard has missed the first 36 games of the season while recovering from a torn labrum in his hip and will be on a minutes restriction tomorrow night. In his absence, the Cavs have still managed a 24-12 record which is third in the Eastern Conference and four game behind the Boston Celtics.
After tomorrow night's showdown, the Cavaliers only play in Boston one more time this season, on February 11th, which is when the Celtics will hold Paul Pierce's jersey retirement ceremony.