Celtics Marcus Smart Says He'll Return Wednesday Vs. Bulls
BOSTON (CBS) -- It appears the Boston Celtics will be getting one of their best defensive players back when they return to action Wednesday night.
Guard Marcus Smart, who missed the first three games of the season after spraining his ankle in the final preseason game, told reporters after Monday's practice that he'll make his season debut Wednesday when the Celtics host the Chicago Bulls at the TD Garden.
"I went through the full practice. The ankle felt great. I will be playing Wednesday," said Smart. "So it feels good to be back out here with those guys."
Celtics head coach Brad Stevens wasn't as definitive as his player, but said barring a setback, all signs point to Smart taking the floor against the Bulls.
Smart said he won't "baby it" in his return: "You go right back to what you know."
The return of Smart will be a big boost to the Celtics' overall defense, but will make an even bigger impact for their struggling bench. His return comes at a good time for the Celtics, who will look to avenge their only loss of the season Wednesday night against the Bulls before taking on the Cavaliers in Cleveland on Thursday night.
Stevens also gave a quick update on injured forward Kelly Olynyk, who also practiced on Monday. The coach said it's unlikely Olynyk will return this week, as the C's sharp-shooting seven-footer continues his recovery from off-season shoulder surgery.
