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Brad Stevens spoke with the media at the Celtics’ practice Tuesday and said that after being reevaluated by a doctor, Marcus Smart has been cleared to play tonight in Game 5.
Marcus Smart has been cleared but Celtics will wait to see how he responds to contact this morning before deciding his status for Game 5. pic.twitter.com/6RRo79b433
— Chris Forsberg (@ESPNForsberg) April 24, 2018
Stevens also noted that he will go through the team’s shootaround before the game, and if he doesn’t experience any pain then he will play. If something comes up during the shootaround that the team doesn’t like, they plan to hold him out.
The Celtics listed Smart as questionable for Game 5 yesterday after missing the last 19 games with a thumb injury. He underwent surgery in early March and was expected to be back around Game 7 of a first round series, but it appears that Smart is coming back early.
We will update Smart’s status after shootaround today.
UPDATE:
After going through contact drills during shootaround, Smart will be available to play in Game 5.
Marcus Smart went through contact drills after shootaround this morning.
— Sean Grande (@SeanGrandePBP) April 24, 2018
Barring something going horribly wrong in pre-game workout, he is available, and will play tonight in Game 5.
So...there you go.