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

Boston Celtics point guard Marcus Smart suffered a left ankle contusion Friday night against the Golden State Warriors. However, he has been cleared to return.

Continue for updates. 

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Smart Active vs. Pistons

Saturday, Nov. 19

The Celtics announced Smart will play against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday.

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Smart Critical to Celtics' Backcourt Depth

This was Smart's second bout with the injury bug this year. Just a week before the start of the regular season, he suffered a sprained ankle that held him out until Nov. 2. 

It was the second time he injured that ankle dating back to his rookie year in 2014-15.

With the emergence of Isaiah Thomas into stardom, Smart has become a valuable depth option off the bench for Boston's backcourt. 

Last year saw him put up 9.1 points, 3.0 assists and 1.5 steals per game as an athletic guard who can score from anywhere on the floor. 

But missing time has become an alarming trend in Smart's career. After missing 15 games in his rookie year, he missed 21 last season headlined by a lower-leg injury. 

The Celtics will need him healthy if they hope to make a push in the Eastern Conference.