The Boston Celtics are in the midst of a dogfight in their 1st round series with the Milwaukee Bucks, tied 2-2 going into Game 5 in Boston. They are trying to advance despite their rash of injuries in the back court.
One of those injured guards could be returning before the end of Round 1.
From ESPN:
“Right now, [a Game 6 return is] the plan and we’re still on the same track,” Smart said before Game 4 on Sunday. “I’ve been doing everything but contact, so I will be able to go and start that.”
Smart said he believes the thumb is ready for contact.
“The surgery did its job,” said Smart, who injured himself March 11 while diving for a loose ball in a game against the Indiana Pacers. “Thumb is holding up well. I feel ready, I feel strong enough to get back out there. I’m just waiting on the OK.”
Smart is one of the very best perimeter defenders in the league and his toughness and presensce could be just the shot in the arm the Celtics need to get over the hump that is the Bucks and advance to the 2nd round.
Smart could switch off of Eric Bledsoe and Giannis Antetokounpo and make life even harder for a Bucks team that is struggling offensively.
The sooner he returns the better for the Celtics, but it would be kind of fun to have a Willis Reed type of moment where he comes out of the tunnel for a Game 7.
