Celtics' Marcus Smart: Ruled out of opener, hopes to return soon

Smart (ankle) has been ruled out of Wednesday's season opener against the Nets and estimated that he would likely return in "about a week."

Analysis:

Smart's sprained left ankle has improved of late, but the team hasn't put a timetable on his return. However, if Smart's own projection holds true, it would mean that he'd likely be sidelined for the first three games of the season. Following the opener Wednesday, the Celtics will take to the road to play the Bulls on Thursday and Hornets on Sunday before returning home to host the Bulls on Nov. 2. In Smart's absence, Terry Rozier is expected to see increased court time as the first guard off the bench.