2 min read • May 03, 2022
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After a rough-and-tumble Game 1, Marcus Smart is questionable heading into Tuesday's contest against the Bucks with a thigh contusion.
The Celtics' point guard left the 12-point loss late in the first half with a shoulder and thigh injury, returning for the second half before suffering another thigh bruise.
The Defensive Player of The Year will certainly play through the ailment but his aggressive and physical defense will take a hit, according to our ProBasketballDocs.
Smart comes into Tuesday's all-important Game 2 with an SIC Health score of 78, and most of the downgrade will come on the defensive end.
Luckily, his shoulder injury – which at the time appeared serious – was a stinger that shouldn't limit the 28-year-old.
Smart was visibly affected by the bumps and bruises on Sunday, especially in the second half, in which he went 1-5 with three points, two assists, and zero rebounds. His Milwaukee counterpart, Jrue Holiday, scored 17 points with seven rebounds in 21 second-half minutes.
The Oklahoma State product is valuable for Boston as a point-of-attack defender that can force drivers into their backline help and as a loose-ball retriever and passing-lane poacher, all of which will be limited by his multiple thigh injuries.
He may be a step slower and an inch lower, at least for one game while he recovers.
FanDuel Sportsbook has Smart's over/under for points listed at 13.5 and for rebounds at 3.5, while they have Jrue Holiday's points at 19.5 and assists at 6.5.
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