Celtics' Smart could return from thumb injury by potential Game 7 vs. Bucks
If the Boston Celtics can handle their business in the opening round against the Milwaukee Bucks, or at least force the series to go the distance, then their undermanned roster will receive some much-needed assistance with the return of one of their tops guards.
Marcus Smart has been out of action since undergoing thumb surgery on March 16 to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament. With a splint on his shooting hand, the 24-year-old took part in shooting drills on Sunday ahead of Game 1, and sounded optimistic that he'll be back on the hardwood competing sooner rather than later.
"Today was the first day with the new splint on to actually get out here and do something. So the thumb felt well," said Smart on Sunday, according to ESPN's Chris Forsberg.
"We're on track for (a return in the) next three weeks, possibly Game 7 of the first round, (but) definitely second round. So we're on the right path."
Boston needed overtime to hold off Milwaukee at the TD Garden on Sunday, winning 113-107 on the back of Al Horford's double-double of 24 points and 12 rebounds. Their 15-man roster was just down to 11 healthy bodies, which is why Smart's return would be more than welcome.
He finished the regular season averaging 10.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.3 steals in 29.9 minutes, primarily as a reserve. With All-Star Kyrie Irving done for the year, Smart could soak up minutes at the point with Terry Rozier, and theoretically knock someone like Shane Larkin out of the rotation.
Smart isn't ruling out the slim possibility that he may even return ahead of a potential Game 7, either.
"Like I said, we're optimistic, but we're not going to rush anything," Smart added. "We're going to take it slow. So I think I have another doctor's appointment, a checkup, in the next two weeks. We'll see what (the doctor) says. If she clears us to be able to start a little bit earlier, then we might. But as of right now, Game 7 (or the) second round is the (goal)."
If the series does need seven games, then the finale would take place on April 28 in Beantown.