Down 2-1 after losing the last two games to the Bucks, the Celtics certainly seem in need of some kind of boost to help them even the series and avoid a near catastrophic 3-1 deficit.
On Monday, they will get that boost in the form of Marcus Smart, who was diagnosed with a torn oblique on April 10 and given a 4-6 week timetable for a return. Smart was not expected to be back quite this soon, although we are right around the four week mark since that diagnosis, and his return will be a welcome sight for his teammates and Celtics fans.
#NEBHInjuryReport Marcus Smart has been upgraded to AVAILABLE 🙌
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 6, 2019
Brad Stevens told reporters Smart will not start and will play in short bursts.
Brad Stevens says Marcus Smart will come off the bench and “play short stints” tonight.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) May 6, 2019
Smart’s presence as another physical defender that can look to frustrate Giannis Antetokounmpo in this series could be huge in Game 4 and moving forward, and the question will be how much can Smart play in those “short stints.” Even if it’s in limited minutes, he’ll bring an emotional boost the team as well as, if nothing else, a few extra fouls and another look to throw at the potential league MVP.
Boston’s success in Game 1 of the series came when they slowed the game down to their pace and forced the Bucks to play at their tempo. Smart is as good as there is on the roster at helping create that kind of game, and they’ll be looking for him to have that kind of impact in Game 4 for however long he can go.
