Atlantic Notes: Brown, Celtics, Tatum, George, Graves

Networks lottery selection Mikel Brown Jr He is expected to make his preseason debut Wednesday in Miami, according to Brian Lewis of The New York Post (Link to Twitter).

Brown, who was selected sixth overall in June’s draft, has been sidelined since late September after spraining his left ankle. However, according to Lewis, the 20-year-old guard was able to complete a full practice over the weekend and participated in another 5-on-5 session on Monday.

The former Louisville star will sit out Monday’s game against Washington, but is expected to be ready for Wednesday’s game against the Heat, Lewis added.

Here’s more from the Atlantic:

• The Celtics rested most of their rotation players in Thursday’s preseason game at Cleveland, but that changed in Saturday’s one-sided win over Philadelphia, writes Jay King of The Athletic. Head coach Joe Mazzula began Derrick White, Jordan Walsh, Pavel George, Jason Tatum and Mitchell Robinsonwith Peyton Pritchard, Nehemiah of Quetta, Sam Hauser, Hugo Gonzalez and Baylor Schaerman are used as major reserves. Tatum and George said it was the first time they were on the same team together as they practiced against each other throughout the offseason and training camp. “It was great because we’ve been teammates for a few months now, but it was like sharing a floor with him for the first time and being on the same teamTatum said.Someone that I’ve obviously admired for a very, very long time, and when I was in high school and college and I competed against him, and now to be on the same team and see some of the special things that he brings to the team.”
• George had 13 points, five rebounds, five steals and four assists in 25 minutes Celtics debut, and his ability to force turnovers brings a new element to the team’s defense, notes King. Mazzula says George’s defensive drive is “contagious” to his teammates. “He has great instincts” Mazzula said of George.”Great instincts, great technique, great positioning. It’s something he’s proud of, but I think it’s very contagious.”
• What role will the first round play Allen Graves play as a beginner for Predators? Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca explores that question, writing that the versatile power forward drew attention in training camp with an improved outside shot, even though he was limited by a groin injury. “He brings a lot with him: the intangibles, how hard he plays. He has great hands. Creates a lot of steals. He’s very disciplined when it comes to rebounding and he’s a pretty good three-point shooter.– said the head coach Darko Rayakovich. “As a coach, you’re always looking for players where there are things they can catch and build on, and he’s that kind of player. So I believe he will be able to help us throughout the season and I see him on the floor very soon.”