Dec 21, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Washington Wizards center Kevin Seraphin (13) works the ball against Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk (41) during the first period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

After getting benched for several games, Kevin Seraphin finally got the opportunity to play and he stepped up when the Wizards needed it most. Washington’s bench has been horrid this season, but Seraphin has provided some relief for the starting front court over the past few games. He’s averaged over 10 points in the past 4 games, but it looks like his progression will get slowed down with reoccurring knee swelling.

Seraphin didn't practice today. Right knee swelling again. No changes in min restrictions for Beal and Nene #WizardsTalk #NBA — J. Michael (@JMichaelCSN) December 23, 2013

Seraphin dealt with some knee swelling earlier in the month, but didn’t miss many games as a result of the issue. He talked about it earlier this month and he didn’t seem to think it was too serious:

I got a little soreness in my knee right now. It’s nothing that’s really a big thing. Just want it to come down because there was a little swelling,” Seraphin said.

–Dec. 8 via CSN Washington

The Wizards have four days to rest before heading to Minnesota to face the Timberwolves on Friday. Although Washington’s bench has been better lately, Kevin Seraphin has played a key role as a reserve.

Hopefully he won’t miss much time, because the Wizards need all the healthy bodies they could get.