Celtics Practice Report: Marcus Smart cleared for physical contact

WALTHAM - The Boston Celtics held shootaround on Tuesday morning prior to the team’s Game 5 matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks, where we heard from Brad Stevens, Al Horford, and Terry Rozier.

The focus of this morning’s media availability was centered around the potential return of Marcus Smart. Stevens said that Smart has been cleared for physical contact. He’ll go through this morning’s shootaround and can return to action tonight barring any setbacks.

If he’s cleared to go, it’s hard to imagine that Smart will miss Tuesday’s Game 5. Terry Rozier agrees. “You always trying to get that out of me,” said Rozier laughing. “I think he’s playing. You didn’t hear it from me.”

Obivously the Celtics would welcome Marcus Smart back with open arms, as they currently have the second-worst defensive rating out of the 16 postseason teams. Granted it has only been four games, but Smart’s defensive versatility would surely help the Celtics moving forward.

Hear all of Tuesday morning’s soundbites below: