The Celtics could soon receive a big boost in their lineup from star guard Marcus Smart, who is eyeing a return for a potential Game 6 on Thursday of the first-round playoff series against the Bucks.
Smart, who tore a tendon in his thumb in March, told reporters on Sunday that he could be cleared for game action as soon as Tuesday after he has his surgically repaired right thumb reevaluated by a doctor in New York.
"I’ve been doing everything but contact, so once I get the go and start doing contact, I’m ready for game action," Smart said (via the Boston Globe). “I think the thumb, the surgery did its job. Thumb is holding up well. I feel ready. I feel strong enough to get back out there. I’m just waiting on the OK.”
While the Celtics are leading the series 2-1 heading into Sunday's game, they have been without four of their star players with Smart, Gordon Hayward, Kyrie Irving and Daniel Thesis all recovering from injuries. Depending on how the reevaluation goes for Smart, the Celtics could be able to advance even further in the playoffs with Smart back on the court.
In 54 games this season, Smart averaged 10.2 points, 4.8 assists and 3.5 rebounds in 29.9 minutes.
