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May 7 update: As expected, Smart will suit up for the Celtics in Game 3.
May 6 update: Smart has been listed as probable for Game 3 against the Bucks, which will be a nice boost for Boston defensively. The guard sat out Game 2 when his quad injury went south. The Celtics were able to win in Smart’s absence, so the guard will hope to help his team take homecourt advantage back with a win in Game 3 Saturday afternoon.
May 3 update: In a stunning turn of events, Smart has been ruled out for Game 2 against the Bucks with a thigh contusion. He did labor through a quad injury in Game 1 and also had some knee problems but completed the contest. With Smart down, the Celtics will rely on Derrick White and Payton Pritchard in the backcourt. This will have a massive impact on the Celtics defensively, as Smart won’t be there to contain Milwaukee’s perimeter players at the point of attack.
May 2 update: Smart is officially questionable for Game 2 against the Bucks with a quad injury. He suffered this and a shoulder injury in Game 1, but did return to the contest. Smart also had a knee issue but powered through it in a loss to the Bucks. The Celtics need their Defensive Player of the Year and given Smart’s return in Game 1, it seems like this designation is a bit of gamesmanship from Boston.
Update: Smart is expected to return to this contest, although he’s dealing with a shoulder and quad injury. We’ll see just how much run he gets as the Celtics won’t want to put further stress on the guard they’ll need for this entire series.
#NEBHInjuryReport Marcus Smart (right shoulder stinger/right quad contusion) is expected to return.
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 1, 2022
The Boston Celtics saw point guard Marcus Smart suffer what appeared to be an arm injury near the end of the first half against the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 1. Smart appeared to suffer the injury on a drive to the basket and immediately checked out of the game holding his arm. The Celtics will likely provide an update at halftime.
It appears Marcus Smart just had his shoulder pop out. He went into the lane, and got grabbed by Jevon Carter. Smart immediately called to the bench and went to the locker room with the help of a trainer, and appeared unable to move his right arm.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) May 1, 2022
The current Defensive Player of the Year going down would be a big loss for the Celtics, who have struggled to deal with Milwaukee’s perimeter shooters in the first half. The Bucks lead 56-46 at the break, propelled by a 10-20 mark from behind the arc.
If Smart cannot return, look for Derrick White and Payton Pritchard to absorb most of the backcourt minutes for the Celtics. Both are capable players and can provide some offensive juice for Boston, but neither matches Smart’s intensity on the defensive end.