Celtics say Marcus Smart is out 2-3 weeks with Grade 1 calf strain

The Celtics announced on Sunday morning that guard Marcus Smart could be out 2-3 weeks with a Grade I left calf strain.

According to ESPN's NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the team remains optimistic that Smart could return in closer to 1-2 weeks, after being diagnosed with a Grade I tear of his left medial gastrocnemius.

Positive news for the Celtics: First-team All-Defensive guard Marcus Smart has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 left calf strain, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. He will miss some time, but sigh of relief for all.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 31, 2021

Smart underwent an MRI after leaving early in the fourth quarter of the Celtics 96-95 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers with the injury Saturday night. Smart collided with the reigning Sixth-Man of the Year Montrezl Harrell going for a rebound before falling to the floor and grabbing the back of his left leg in pain.

Marcus Smart's injury - You can see the calf (specifically the medial gastrocnemius, most common site of calf strain) "pop" when the injury occurs. Notice the pop is NOT down lower in the Achilles. pic.twitter.com/t0cEoSfz1C

— Brian Sutterer MD (@b_sutterer) January 31, 2021

Boston called timeout while Smart remained on the court before being helped by two people to the Celtics locker room, while never putting any weight on his left leg the whole way towards the back.

The Celtics (10-8) have dropped two straight and five of their last seven, as they begin their five-game west coast road trip on Tuesday against the Golden State Warriors.

Smart is averaging a career-high 13.2 points and 6.1 assists in 17 games played so far this season.

 

Joel Pavón
Follow @Joe1_CSP



Photo used courtesy of Getty Images