Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
The Latest on Marcus Smart and Robert Williams' Status Ahead of Celtics Game vs. Nets
Marcus Smart, who suffered a bone bruise on the outside of his right ankle when Kyle Lowry fell on it during the Eastern Conference Finals, is now dealing with a bone bruise on the inside of the same ankle.
Since spraining his right ankle ten days ago against the Raptors, he's yet to return to the lineup, missing the Celtics' last four games. Patience is paramount. From the player to the team to the fan base, the last thing anyone wants is for Smart to come back too quickly and suffer a setback.
Between it being the end of January and Boston boasting the NBA's best record at 36-15 with a 2.5-game cushion separating them and the Bucks, who are second in the East, there's even less pressure on the Celtics to rush Smart's return.
As Smart expressed on Tuesday at the Auerbach Center, "I just made a decision, and the team made a decision; it wasn't smart for me to go back. Playoffs, probably would've tried it, but there's no need for that right now."
Smart, who's out for Wednesday's matchup against the Nets, also provided a progress report on his injured right ankle and when he might return to the lineup.
Boston might also be without Robert Williams for the second-straight game. The Timelord is dealing with a left ankle sprain.
Tuesday, Joe Mazzulla, who also spoke about Smart's recovery, shared an update on Williams.
Further Reading
Marcus Smart Provides Update on Ankle Injury; Says There's no Target Date for His Return
Maine Celtics Officially Sign Nine-Year NBA Veteran Guard; Former First Round Draft Pick
Limited Role Has Payton Pritchard Questioning Future with Celtics Ahead of Trade Deadline
