PORTLAND – The Maine Red Claws have lost two straight games and 4 of 5.

But good news arrived Wed-nesday. Forward Kris Joseph is expected to rejoin the team for the 7 p.m. game Thursday against the Springfield Armor at Springfield’s MassMutual Center.

Joseph, 24, was the Boston Celtics’ second-round draft pick last year from Syracuse. He split time between Boston and Maine, the Celtics’ D-League affiliate.

In six games with Boston, the 6-foot-7 Joseph averaged only four minutes per game. His playing time increased with the Red Claws. Joseph played 10 games for Maine, averaging 17.7 points.

The Celtics waived Joseph on Jan. 6 before the deadline when they would have to guarantee his contract for the rest of the year.

Joseph reportedly was weighing his options overseas before rejoining the Red Claws.

The Red Claws (17-12) can use Joseph. They are still without center Fab Melo, Joseph’s Syracuse teammate who was a Boston first-round pick. Melo is with the Celtics.

Maine also is missing forward DaJuan Summers because of a hamstring injury. Summers was placed on the team’s inactive list Wednesday to make room for Joseph.

Against the familiar Armor (9-19), Maine has enjoyed success. The teams have played six times in the past five weeks, with the Red Claws going 5-1.

Springfield’s two NBA players, Tornike Shengelia and Tyshawn Taylor, have returned to the Brooklyn Nets.

The Red Claws return to Portland for two games this weekend, 7 p.m. Friday against Bakersfield and 3 p.m. Sunday against the Armor again.

Friday’s game is in doubt because of the expected storm. No postponement decision will be made before Friday.

Staff Writer Kevin Thomas can be reached at 791-6411 or:

kthomas@pressherald.com

Twitter: KevinThomasPPH