Marcus Smart Leaves Game 2 Due to a Thigh Injury

Smart missed Game 2 but is expected to be ready when the series switches to Milwaukee for Game 3. Marcus Smart picked up multiple injuries as the Boston Celtics lost Game 1 of their second-round series to the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday. In the second quarter, he suffered a sting in his right arm, which led to him being pulled out of the game, but he was able to bounce back for the second half. In addition, he had a slightly more severe bruise on his right thigh. Smart will miss Game 2 on Tuesday, the team decided hours before tipping.

“I think he was hit twice during the game,” Celtics coach Ime Udoka said Monday. “He’s a tough guy who will try to play through things, and we will give him treatment today and see how he feels tomorrow, but he will be listed as a questionable person.”

As for Smart’s shoulder, Udoka said it was “good” and added, “it was just at the time.” The concern, for now, seems to be focused on Smart’s thigh, and getting him back on the floor will be more than pain tolerance. Marcus Smart picked up multiple injuries as the Boston Celtics lost in Game 1 of their second-round series to the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday. In the second quarter, he suffered a sting to his right arm, which led to him being pulled out of the game, but he was able to bounce back for the second half. In addition, he had a slightly more severe bruise on his right thigh. Smart will miss Game 2 on Tuesday, the team decided hours before tipping.

Marcus Smart is a Strong Player

“I think he was hit twice during the game,” Celtics coach Ime Udoka said Monday. “He’s a tough guy who will try to play through things. And we will give him treatment today and see how he feels tomorrow. The concern, for now, seems to be focused on Smart’s thigh. It’s a bruise,” said Udoka.

“However, I would say more than just pain tolerance. This is something that will stiffen. He’s been hit twice there, and he’s had this in the past where he’s had to miss a few games this year. So it’s more than just pain. tolerance, there is some tightness and some restriction with movement as well.”

The Celtics were lucky from a scheduling point of view. While Game 2 will be played on Tuesday, their series will rest for three days before moving on to Game 3 in Milwaukee on Saturday. The Celtics will lose Smart in Game 2, but he will have plenty of time to rest before Game 3. From there, he returns to his typical postseason day-to-day format.

Milwaukee is dealing with a severe injury of its own. Khris Middleton is not expected to play for the Bucks in this series. If the Celtics can get their entire roster to the floor, it will give them a meaningful advantage over the reigning champions. Smart injuries complicate matters. He’s vital to their league’s best defense. If he can’t play for any meaningful span of the series. The Celtics will have to drastically change their game plan against one of basketball’s most dangerous opponents.

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