The Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks are all tied up, 2-2, after each team took care of home court. With the series shifting back to Boston, the importance of Game Five cannot be emphasized heavily enough.
The Celtics are banged up, but they’ve stayed competitive despite a host of injuries. Getting scrappy guard Marcus Smart back would be a huge boon for Boston.
Smart has been out set March, when he tore a tendon in his right thumb, and initial speculation was that he would miss the rest of the season. His recovery has been ahead of schedule, however, and he may even get playing time Tuesday.
Coach Brad Stevens said Tuesday morning that Smart is cleared for practice. If he looks and feels good, he could play.
Marcus Smart has been cleared but Celtics will wait to see how he responds to contact this morning before deciding his status for Game 5. pic.twitter.com/6RRo79b433
— Chris Forsberg (@ESPNForsberg) April 24, 2018
“Marcus felt great over the weekend,” Stevens said. “He actually flew yesterday, got reevaluated yesterday, still has to go through some things later this morning after our shootaround, and then we’ll see how he feels after that. If he feels good, then he’s been cleared physically to go.”
Undermanned Celtics Hope for Return
Stars Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward are both out for the year, as is bench forward Daniel Theis. Thus, Boston would be thrilled to get one more key guy back in the lineup. His teammates are certainly hoping he’ll be back soon.
Terry Rozier asked if he thinks Marcus Smart is going to play in Game 5.
"I think he’s playing. You ain't hear it from me though.” pic.twitter.com/aBzxld3Aoz
— Chris Forsberg (@ESPNForsberg) April 24, 2018
“I love when he plays,” Terry Rozier said. “He brings that toughness, he brings that edge.”
Game Five of Bucks-Celtics is set for Tuesday at 7 p.m. EST. It will air on NBATV.
