Smart Will Miss 10th Straight

Photo: CBS Sports

Boston Celtics rookie; Marcus Smart did not travel with the team to Atlanta, and will miss his 10th consecutive game with a high left ankle sprain.

According to Celtics.com; Smart underwent an CT scan at New England Baptist Hospital on Monday and results came back negative. A positive sign in the rehabilitation process for the point guard, but a setback at the same time.

It has been over three weeks since the injury occurred, back on November 7. Smart suffered the severe sprain and bone bruise after he awkwardly stepped on the foot of Indiana Pacer; Lavoy Allen. The timeline for his recovery was 2-3 weeks. But after attempting to participate in his first full practice last Wednesday, the Smart removed himself from the session stating his ankle felt 'tender.'

On Saturday Smart returned to practice, but did not take part in any 5-on-5 scrimmage.

"Some days I feel good, some days [the ankle] doesn't." Smart said. "I can't really give you an exact date of when I'll be back. I just know the way the progress is looking I'll be back soon." [ESPN Boston]

Brad Stevens agreed with his guard on a possible return date for his guard, and believes he's just ready yet. When asked over the weekend of Smart's status before the San Antonio game or Atlanta, he noted;

"[He's] better, but not well enough to play," said the C's coach. "The only way we'll take him with us if we expect him to play." [ESPN Boston]  

The Celtics are at home on Wednesday for their back end of their back-to-back against the Detroit Pistons. While the team is in Atlanta tonight, Smart will continue to condition his ankle and receive treatment to strengthen his left leg for the next 48 hours.

Smart's return will depend on how his ankle responds the next few days. That might be a few more games before fans see him in the Celtics lineup again.

"The type of player I am, I need to be able to cut with comfortably," said the C's rookie. "We're trying to make sure we can work those kinks and get me able to cut right." [ESPN Boston]


Joel Pavón