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Celtics downgrade Marcus Smart to ‘out’ for Friday night

When the Celtics go for their fourth straight win Friday night against the Philadelphia 76ers, they’ll do so without their starting point guard.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 12: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics in action against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half at TD Garden on November 12, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

When the Celtics go for their fourth straight win Friday night against the Philadelphia 76ers, they'll do so without starting point guard Marcus Smart. Smart, who was originally listed as questionable earlier in the week as he entered the NBA's health & safety protocols, was ruled out for the game Friday morning.

Smart has been the Celtics primary starting point guard this year. In 38 games he's averaging 11.6 points, 5.3 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. The Celtics are 1-3 when he doesn't play this season.

The Celtics are just a few weeks removed from a wide-spread COVID outbreak within the locker room that impacted nearly every player on the roster. At the beginning of the week, the Celtics players had missed almost 150 cumulative games in the league's health & safety protocols.

Besides missing Smart, the Celtics are expected to be at full go against the Sixers. No other players appeared on Friday's injury report.

MORE: Could a familiar face return to Boston at the NBA trade deadline?

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 abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.

Alex Barth is a digital content producer and on-air host for 98.5 The Sports Hub. Barth grew up in the Boston area and began covering the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, and Boston Red Sox in 2017 before joining the Hub in 2020. He now covers all things Boston Sports for 985TheSportsHub.com as well as appearing on air. Alex writes about all New England sports, as well as college football. You can follow him across all social media platforms at @RealAlexBarth.