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Right on Time? Smart Could Play This Weekend

Marc D'Amico
Team Reporter and Analyst

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WALTHAM, Mass. – The Celtics announced on Nov. 8 that Marcus Smart would likely miss two to three weeks with a sprained left ankle.

It appears that they hit the nail on the head.

Smart retuned to practice Wednesday afternoon, although he did not finish practice due to minor discomfort. Barring a major setback, he could be available to play Friday afternoon against Chicago – exactly three weeks after suffering the injury on Nov. 7 - or Sunday afternoon against San Antonio.

“He’s done his rehab diligently and he’s done it well,” Stevens said Wednesday morning. “He’s stuck to the game plan as far as coming in here multiple times a day and going above and beyond. So he’s doing what he’s supposed to do, and this is the appropriate time frame (for his return).”

It’s hard to believe that Smart may play in Friday’s game if you consider how frightening his injury was on Nov. 7. He was down on the court for 10 minutes and was carted off in a stretcher. Smart’s pain level and swelling caused doctors to fear for a break or dislocation in the ankle.

With all of that in mind, some media members are wondering whether or not the rookie is coming back too soon, a la Avery Bradley last season. Smart’s teammates and coaches beg to differ.

“I trust our medical team and medical staff,” said Stevens. “I think that Marcus and Avery, I’m sure, will share that discussion and talk about that. We don’t want anybody to come back before they’re physically able, because obviously you don’t want to put yourself in a bad spot or make a lingering thing worse and make it linger longer than it otherwise would.

“I think he’s got to talk to others and he’s got to get their perspective and he’s got to put his faith and trust in our medical team,” Stevens continued, “because they’re excellent at what they do.”

Bradley revealed that if anything, he and his teammates have actually been pressuring Smart to take his time in returning to the lineup.

“One thing everyone’s been telling him is, ‘Make sure your body is good. Listen to your body,’” said Bradley.

If Smart’s body gives him positive feedback on Thanksgiving, he’ll be out on the parquet Friday afternoon to take on the Bulls. If not, Sunday is the next possibility.

Whenever Smart does make his return, he will provide the Celtics a huge boost at the defensive end.

“The way he can put pressure on the guard bringing it up the floor,” Jeff Green said of Smart’s impact. “He was doing a great job of that before he got hurt. Hopefully he can continue to be that effective on the defensive end against opposing guards.”

Stevens, who indicated that Smart will likely play 20-25 minutes when he becomes available, pointed to a different area of the game in which the youngster would impact the C’s.

Said Stevens, “I think from the energy-giver standpoint... it’s more about the presence that he has on the floor and I think certainly any team could use a guy like that.”

There is no doubt that the Celtics have missed Smart’s defense and energy since he went down on Nov. 7. Fortunately for them, signs are pointing toward the rookie’s skills returning this weekend – exactly when they were supposed to do so.