Report Indicates When Marcus Smart Will Return To Celtics

The Celtics clearly missed the presence of Marcus Smart and Al Horford during their Game One loss in Miami on Tuesday night. But luckily for them, one of their role players would be returning shortly.

On Wednesday morning, Yahoo’s Chris Haynes reported that Smart was ‘aiming’ for a return for Game 2 on Thursday night.

Per the report:

“Smart is aiming for a return in Game 2, sources said, but it is dependent on how his foot responds to treatment over the next 36 hours. With Boston missing two starters who do the bulk of the dirty work, the Heat feasted.”

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Sources to @ChrisBHaynes: Celtics G Marcus Smart is aiming towards a return in Game 2 against the Heat, but Al Horford is unlikely.

➡️ https://t.co/VRMXrV3bdR pic.twitter.com/UWxBLav7v6

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) May 18, 2022

After the game, coach Ime Udoka indicated that the Celtics could benefit from Marcus Smart’s physicality in the coming games.

“We got out-toughed, out-physical,” Celtics coach Ime Udoka said. “They came out in the second half and wanted to up their physicality and aggression on both ends and they did that.”

Jaylen Brown also mentioned how hard it was to be without Horford and Smart.

“Obviously, we weren’t prepared to be without Al,” guard Jaylen Brown said after the game. “We definitely wasn’t prepared to be without Al and Smart. So, it’s not an excuse. We got to be better.”

The Celtics likely won’t have Al Horford back for (at least) a couple more games after he entered health and safety protocols, but they’re hoping Marcus Smart gives them a jolt for Game 2.

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