Report: Marcus Smart avoided serious injury Saturday night
Marcus Smart’s updated diagnosis is relatively good news for both he and the Celtics, given how scary the injury looked last night.
Jan 30, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) is helped up after being injured during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY SportsBy Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com
During Saturday night's loss to the Lakers, Celtics guard Marcus Smart had to be helped off the floor after collapsing and grabbing at his left leg. The 26-year-old left the game and didn't return.
After the game, Adrian Wojnarowski reported Smart was believed to have a calf strain, and would have an MRI on Sunday. His updated diagnosis is relatively good news for Smart and the Celtics, given how scary the injury looked last night.
https://twitter.com/chrisgrenham/status/1355718291600322560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1355718291600322560%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.radio.com%2Fweei%2Fsports%2Fceltics%2Fceltics-rumors-marcus-smart-has-left-calf-strain
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Smart's calf strain is a Grade 1 injury, meaning the least impactful. "He will miss some time, but sigh of relief for all," Charania tweeted.
The early expectation is for Smart to be sidelines for two-to-three weeks. Boston begins an eight-day, five-game road trip on Tuesday against the Warriors. They'll have one day off when they get home, before a stretch of three games in four days.
With Payton Pritchard still sidelined with a MCL sprain and Kemba Walker not playing back-to-backs, the Celtics will now have to rely heavily at Jeff Teague at the point guard position. Expect more minutes for Tremont Waters and Carsen Edwards as well.
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at Alexander.Barth@bbgi.com.
