Marcus Smart Injury: Updates on Celtics Guard's Ankle and Return

Boston Celtics rookie Marcus Smart listed as probable to play against the Pistons on Wednesday, after missing 10 games following surgery.

Continue for updates.

Wednesday, Dec. 3

Smart Probable vs. Pistons

The Celtics' official Twitter feed has an update on Smart's status:

Thursday, Nov. 13

Ainge Updates Timeline For Smart's Return

A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com passed along comments from Danny Ainge on Marcus Smart's recovery:

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Danny Ainge, the Celtics president of basketball operations, said he doesn't anticipate Smart back on the court for at least two more weeks.

That would be consistent with the initial timetable given when he suffered a left ankle sprain and bone bruise last week.

"He's progressing well," Ainge said on 98.5 The Sports Hub's Toucher & Rich show on Thursday.

 

"

Tuesday, Nov. 11

Smart Watches Practice

Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe reported on Marcus Smart from Celtics practice:

Monday, Nov. 10

Will Smart Return Sooner Than Expected?

Scott Souza of MetroWestDailyNews.com provides a synopsis of Celtics head coach Brad Stevens discussing Smart's goal to return within three weeks:

Saturday, Nov. 8

Smart's Injury Diagnosed

The Celtics announced a diagnosis and time-frame for Marcus Smart's injury:

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Additionally, Celtics guard Marcus Smart underwent an MRI last night at New England Baptist Hospital and results confirmed a left ankle sprain with bone bruising. He is expected to be out for the next two to three weeks.

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X-Ray Results Reported

ESPN's Jeff Goodman has an update on Smart's condition, per ESPNBoston.com's Chris Forsberg: "X-rays on Smart's ankle were negative. The team said Smart would have an MRI later Friday night."

Brad Stevens Talks About Smart

Celtics head coach Brad Stevens discussed the guard's injury after the game, according to Forsberg:

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It was really scary and then, obviously, he was writhing in pain, so that makes it even more scary.

We're hoping it's a sprain, but we don't know that. So obviously a great deal of concern for him, No. 1. And hopefully he can get back sooner rather than later because he's really playing great basketball, and I'm sure it's really disappointing to be out five games into your rookie year, even if just for a little bit of time. That's what we hope it is.

"

Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe provides more from Stevens:

Friday, Nov. 7

Smart Suffered Ankle Injury

Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart left Friday night's game against the Indiana Pacers in the fourth quarter with an apparently serious ankle injury. 

The Celtics described the former Oklahoma State star's injury:

A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com provided more information from head coach Brad Stevens:

Earlier in the night, ESPNBoston.com's Chris Forsberg passed along details on the diagnosis:

Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald reveals we may not know the results until Saturday:

The latest injury continues a rash of bad luck for the Celtics, who were previously without Rajon Rondo due to an offseason hand injury. Rondo's absence allowed Smart to ascend into the starting lineup during the preseason, giving Stevens and Co. a good look at the player they selected with the sixth pick in June's draft.

As ESPN's Marc Stein indicated, it was a tough night for NBA injuries:

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Ricky Rubio on crutches. Marcus Smart on a stretcher. Hate nights like these

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) November 8, 2014"

Smart, an athletic bulldog of a defender with a shaky offensive reputation, averaged 16.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game during his two-year college career. Though his up-and-down play has continued with some at-times befuddling decision-making on offense, he has already impressed the coaching staff with his ability and willingness to learn on the other end.

Michael Dwyer/Associated Press

Stevens praised Smart's defense back in October, per Forsberg:

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I've coached a lot of really bright guys at a lot of different ages. Very, very, very few at 20 years old can see the game and react to the game defensively like that. He has the ability to react athletically, too. He can really move. He's very physical. I've said this before; he was really well-coached and combine that with the fact that he's got a good savvy for the game.

"

Smart has an injury history though it's mostly been confined to his wrists. He suffered fractures to his right and left wrists in high school and reinjured the right wrist during his freshman season at Oklahoma State. 

Phil Pressey stands to gain the most from Smart's absence, however long that may be. Pressey, in his second season out of Missouri, is a talented offensive player whom the Celtics signed as an undrafted free agent in 2013.

Smart's absence may also open up an opportunity for Avery Bradley to try his hand at a primary ball-handler's role, something at which he's struggled throughout his NBA career.

Either way, with the Celtics likely not competing for a playoff spot this season, the most important thing is avoiding a long-term injury. Look for the team to exercise caution in bringing him back.

Follow Tyler Conway (@tylerconway22) on Twitter.