Reports: Marcus Smart has a Grade 1 calf strain

Per reports from The Atheltic’s Shams Charania and The Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach, Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart suffered a Grade 1 calf strain:

Here’s the official announcement from the Celtics:

Following an MRI this morning, Celtics guard Marcus Smart was diagnosed with a Grade I tear of his right medial gastrocnemius. He is currently expected to return in approximately 2-3 weeks. Further updates will be provided as appropriate.

Smart was injured early in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers. He came over to contest a shot by Montrezl Harrell at the rim. As Smart landed, he stepped to get back in the play and immediately crumpled to the floor.

Initially, fears were that Smart may have torn his Achilles’ as the motion was very similar to past Achilles’ tears. Instant replay showed his calf muscle rippling higher up on his left leg. Many medical experts immediately commented that likely ruled out an Achilles’ tear, but that an MRI would confirm the extent of the injury.

Smart was helped back to the locker and was ruled out shortly thereafter with a calf strain. The Celtics shared postgame that he would undergo an MRI on Sunday morning.

Boston kicks off a five-game west coast trip on Tuesday. They’ll likely be without Smart for that trip and may also be without Payton Pritchard for at least a portion of it. That’ll put extra pressure on Kemba Walker, Jeff Teague and Tremont Waters as the team’s only healthy primary ballhandlers.

In addition, Walker has yet to play in back-to-back games since his return. The Celtics have a back-to-back set against the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings to open the trip on Tuesday and Wednesday. Only time will tell if plans change and Walker plays on both ends of that set.