“He’s out Monday”: Isaiah Thomas ruled out for Christmas Day game

Isaiah Thomas won’t be playing on Christmas Day when the Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Golden State Warriors.

According to Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue, Isaiah Thomas — who dressed for Thursday’s game against the Chicago Bulls — wouldn’t play on Christmas Day when the Cavs face the Golden State Warriors.

"“He’s out Monday.”"

While there was never any official timetable for Isaiah Thomas’ return, there have been rumors that he could play earlier than his targeted return – the first week of January. Perhaps most notable was a December 12th report from Sam Amico of AmicoHoops citing sources that said Cleveland Cavaliers were hoping Thomas could play during their upcoming road trip out West. The Cavs face the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day before facing the Sacramento Kings and Utah Jazz on the 27th and 30th, respectively.

Thomas did dress out for Thursday’s game, marking it the first time of the season.

tfw you warm up with the squad for the first time! @isaiahthomas #AllForOne pic.twitter.com/zNNMn2N7FC
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) December 21, 2017

Being healthy enough to be listed on the active report is a great sign that he’ll indeed be able to play before the start of the New Year’s. One has to wonder if the injury to Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, who will also be out for the Christmas Day matchup, played a part in Thomas’ decision not to play in the NBA’s best rivalry.

Seeing what both squads will look like when fully healthy, given the Cavs roster overhaul, would be exciting but the fans will have to wait another day.

Thomas had a tough year after the passing of his sister and suffering the worst injury of his 7-year career. After the game, Thomas told reporters it was “a blessing” and a “step in the right direction”.

Isaiah Thomas: “It was a step in the right direction, being able to put on a jersey and warm up. ... A blessing. It felt good.” #Cavs #NBA
— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) December 22, 2017

Thomas might not be playing on Christmas Day but his return is imminent. It’s possible the Cleveland Cavaliers will never be at full health this season but so long as Thomas, LeBron James and Kevin Love are ready to rock and roll, they’ll be a tough team to beat on any night.