Marcus Smart Thumb Injury Re-Evaluated; May Return During Playoffs

Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart could reportedly return during the NBA playoffs.

According to Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports, Smart underwent a "re-evaluation on [his] torn right UCL Monday in New York and is expected to receive clearance to return to game action at [the] six-week mark of surgery [April 27]. Smart has been cleared to start light non-contact shooting."

Smart has been out since suffering a right thumb injury in early March. He also missed 11 games prior to the All-Star break after punching a wall in a hotel room Jan. 24 and injuring his right hand.

For the season, the 24-year-old averaged 10.2 points, 4.8 assists and 3.5 rebounds on 36.7 percent shooting. His biggest impact came defensively; Smart ranked fifth in defensive win shares, per NBA.com.

Considering the Celtics are already without Kyrie Irving for the rest of the season, having Smart back would be a significant boost to their backcourt as they attempt to make noise in the Eastern Conference playoffs.