Celtics’ Lewis Sidelined by Heart Problems

Reggie Lewis, the leading scorer for the Boston Celtics, will miss the rest of playoffs because of heart problems.

Lewis, 27, collapsed Thursday during the playoff opener with the Charlotte Hornets and was admitted to New England Baptist Hospital on Friday. He underwent tests during the weekend.

“Cardiac abnormalities have been identified that are likely to have contributed to his loss of consciousness,” hospital spokesman Jim Rattray said Sunday.

Rattray was unable to elaborate on the abnormalities but said Lewis will be sidelined for the playoffs. He did not know if the condition will threaten his career.

“It’s very important to remember we’re still in an evaluation mode here,” he said.

Dave Gavitt, the team’s senior executive vice president, said Lewis is resting comfortably.

“His spirits are as good as you could expect they would be,” he said. “I’m sure he wants to get out of the hospital, but he now knows he’s got to go through this, and obviously, he will not play basketball until this is resolved and that means clearly, he won’t play this week.”

Rattray said he expected Lewis to remain in the hospital at least for this week and further tests will be required over the next several weeks to determine treatment.

Lewis, 6 feet 7, has been the Celtics’ leading scorer this season, averaging 20.8 points a game.

Lewis, the Celtics’ captain, collapsed with 6:36 left in the first quarter of Game 1 and was replaced 10 seconds later. He briefly left a game against Miami on March 24, complaining of dizziness.

“Obviously, we’re stunned by it, a little hurt, a little worried as to what’s going to happen to him,” forward Alaa Abdelnaby said.