Marcus Smart Doubtful Wednesday Night With Right Ankle Sprain
BOSTON (CBS) -- The Boston Celtics absolutely pummeled the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night, but the lopsided victory may have come at a cost. Starting point guard Marcus Smart left the win in the second quarter with a pretty bad ankle injury, and is doubtful to play Wednesday night in Boston's final game before the All-Star break.
That Smart isn't automatically out for Wednesday night's tilt against the Pistons at TD Garden is a bit of good news for Boston. That at least gives Smart a sliver of a chance to play against Detroit, albeit a slim one.
Smart departed Boston's win Tuesday night -- the team's ninth straight -- after colliding with Philly big man Joel Embiid on his way to the basket. Smart had driven the length of the floor when he was met by Embiid down by the Boston basket, and went down in a heap after rolling his ankle. Smart had to be helped off the floor as he couldn't put any weight on his right ankle.
He eventually returned to hit his two free throws, but was then quickly ruled out for the rest of the game.
Smart saw just 13 minutes of action in the 135-87 Boston victory, scoring seven points while dishing out an assist. He has been excellent for the Celtics during their recent stretch of success, averaging 13.3 points off 50 percent shooting over his last 10 games. He has entered the Defensive Player of the Year race too, anchoring Boston's top-ranked defense.
Luckily for the Celtics, Wednesday's game is their last one before getting a week off for the All-Star break. But losing Smart for any length of time will put the team in a rough spot, with the veteran thriving in his starting point guard role as of late.
Trade deadline pickup Derrick White will likely get the start in Smart's place on Wednesday night. White's addition to the mix would help ease the blow of losing Smart if he's down for any amount of time, but the Celtics will need their defensive bulldog if they want to make any sort of noise come playoff time.
