Isaiah OK with missing Boston game, will 'put on a show' vs. Celtics in Feb.

Isaiah Thomas says he's happy to get back on the court, even though he won't be doing so in Boston just yet.

The Cleveland Cavaliers point guard is set to make his long-awaited season debut Tuesday versus the Portland Trail Blazers after finally recovering from a hip injury that's sidelined him since the playoffs last year.

The Cavs are being extremely cautious with their new floor general, whom they acquired over the offseason from the Celtics in the Kyrie Irving trade. They plan to bring Thomas along slowly, having him come off the bench and limiting him in terms of minutes and back-to-back scenarios. That rules him out of Wednesday's tilt in Beantown, but he understands it's for the best.

"It won't be that tough 'cause I know where I am right now. I wouldn't wanna put myself out there to just try to force it," he told reporters Monday. "I can wait until February. I think we play them in February again. I can wait and put on a show then."

Related: Kyrie says it'll be 'nothing but love' for Isaiah in Boston return

Thomas, 28, poured in 28.9 points per game to go along with 5.9 dimes, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.9 steals last season for the Celtics. He indicated a few days ago he hopes to play against his former team and that regardless of his status, he's expecting a warm reception from his fan base of the past two years.

It sounds like there will be an outpouring of affection when he comes back to TD Garden this week. It also sounds like the mood might be different when he returns again Feb. 11.

Mark your calendars.