Celtics’ Marcus Smart listed as questionable for Game 4 against the Heat

Having succumbed to a gritty performance by the Heat in Game 3, the Celtics who now trail in the series will definitely be hoping that their top defensive player can take to the court in Game 4.

Celtics Marcus Smart listed as ‘questionable’

According to an official team announcement, the Celtics’ Marcus Smart has been listed as ‘questionable ahead of Monday night’s Game 4 of their Eastern Conference Final series against the Miami Heat. The doubts surrounding Smart stem from an awkward landing in Game 3 during the third quarter. Though initially taken to the team’s locker room, he would later return to the court and actually go on to play the rest of the game. On the night he finished with 16 points and seven assists across his 36 minutes of play.

What exactly is Marcus Smart’s status now?

While it’s clear that Smart’s incredible drive is what brought him back to the court as well as a healthy dose of adrenaline, it’s highly likely he played through pain in Game 3 which of course is never advisable. With that said, it’s now a matter of waiting to see how his ankle will hold up as they head into Monday night’s contest. “[He] has some swelling in his ankle. [It was] a pretty bad sprain,” Celtics coach Ime Udoka said of Smart. “He finished the game but he’s gonna feel it. Getting worked on, getting treatment, and see how he feels tomorrow.”

With the Heat now leading the series 2-1, the Celtics have their backs against the wall. In light of that one can imagine that Smart, who pushed on despite the injury in Game 3 will likely be looking to do so once again. Indeed, there also other injury concerns on the roster like Robert Williams III - also listed as questionable - who actually missed Game 3, so expect Smart to go for it. At the very least Boston can take comfort in the fact that All-Star Jayson Tatum has now been listed as probable.