Celtics' Crowder diagnosed with ACL sprain

The Boston Celtics dodged a bullet with swingman Jae Crowder's knee injury.

Crowder suffered a sprained left ACL, the team reported on Monday. He sustained the injury during the Celtics' Game 4 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday. He was struck across the face by a wild punch thrown by J.R. Smith.

Crowder was helped off the floor by teammates following the punch by Smith and did not return for the remainder of the game. Smith will assuredly face a suspension for his actions.

After being dealt to Boston in a midseason trade, Crowder has emerged as a gritty defender and a capable offensive threat. He averaged 9.5 points and 4.6 rebounds in 57 games with the Celtics and started 17 contests.

Crowder will be a restricted free agent this summer and the Celtics will undoubtedly look to retain their promising wing prospect.