Marcus Smart Says He's Clear To Return Thursday Night Vs. Nets
BOSTON (CBS) -- Marcus Smart is feeling good after returning to practice on Wednesday, and said that he's been given the green light to return to the Celtics lineup Thursday night against the Brooklyn Nets.
Smart has been sidelined since going down with a nasty calf injury on Jan. 30 in a loss to the Lakers, but was able to do everything he usually does on the floor Wednesday. Now he's ready to return for Boston's rematch against Kyrie Irving and the Nets, a team that beat them 123-95 on Christmas Day.
"I feel great. Today was my first day to really get out there and play 5-on-5, take contact and press it to the limit," he said. "Felt really good. ... I intend on playing in the game tomorrow."
Smart said he'll be on a minutes restriction and expects it to take some time to get his wind back after missing five weeks. Stevens said the minutes will be "low" for a while, though he isn't sure how long.
"I know Marcus said he's good to go, but I haven't discussed specifics with [the training staff] yet," said Stevens.
In 17 games this season -- all starts -- Smart averaged 16 points, six assists and two steals per game for Boston. The Celtics went 9-9 during his absence.