Aron Baynes (knee) believes he'll be ready for season opener vs. Cavs

The Celtics received a bit of a scare on Monday night when Aron Baynes left the Garden floor hobbling after suffering a hyperextended knee. The 6-foot-10 Austrailian put any concerns of an extended absence to rest on Saturday though when he participated fully in practice at Healthpoint.

"I did everything," Baynes said. "They asked me if I'm doing all right and I just kept saying I was on track. If there was any setbacks I would have stopped. But fortunately there wasn't anything so I was able to complete the whole thing."

Baynes sat out Wednesday's preseason finale in Charlotte to rest the knee, but the 30-year-old looks to be primed to return to action for Tuesday's regular-season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

"I definitely think I’m on track for that," Baynes said. "It’s still day to day but yeah I’m gonna go out on a limb here, literally, and say I should be available."

Baynes actually suffered the injury on Monday night partially due to an issue with his eyesight in the first half. The center had his eye scratched on a previous play, which led to a collision on the next possession down the court.

"It was a bit blurry so I didn't see so much going on," he said. "I should have seen Guerschon coming through because he puts his whole body on the line every play. He kind of came through me a bit with one of his defenders so they hit my leg front-on and just hyperextended a little bit. So I felt the full force of Guerschon on that play but it was all good. If I hadn't been hit in the eye I would have been able to step out of the way. I would have seen it coming. All good."

Baynes was moving very well during the open portion of practice, shooting 3-point attempts in a drill and chasing down the ball well on rebounds.

"I'm doing well, considering how I felt the other night and even two days ago," Baynes said. "I've been able to get out here and run around a bit with the fellas. It's always good, and the old boy's not doing too bad."

With Kevin Love staring at center for the Cavs on Tuesday night, expect Baynes to be utilized off the bench to help combat the rebounding of Tristan Thompson. Barring any setbacks in the coming days, the Celtics should be at full strength for opening night from a health standpoint.