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Boston Celtics: Marcus Smart could return for Game 6

By Joshua Bateman

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 11: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics looks on before a game against the Indiana Pacers at TD Garden on March 11, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MARCH 11: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics looks on before a game against the Indiana Pacers at TD Garden on March 11, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics could be getting Marcus Smart back right when it matters most in the first round

The Boston Celtics went to Milwaukee with plans of a sort series, and some extra rest for Marcus Smart. After losing both road games, everything has changed, and now there is the hope that Smart will return by game six, which will be a must win game no matter what the situation is.

There is no guarantee yet, but Smart is going to be evaluated again on Tuesday, and depending on how that goes, could be cleared for a game six (Via Boston Herald). The Celtics do not want to rush Smart, but his position is much different than most players on this team.

Smart is in a contract year, and there is a lot more to gain by playing him, rather than holding him out because he is too close to an injury. The Celtics want to know if Smart needs to be a part of their future, and Smart wants to go out there and make some money in the playoffs.

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The Celtics have proven that they do not need Smart to win this series. The players they currently have are more than capable, but their defense has not been playing well enough, and Smart’s versatility could be the most important thing against the Bucks.

Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo have been unstoppable and shooting lights out. Antetokounmpo may be pushing Smart’s versatility a little too much, but he would take on a lot of responsibility with Middleton, and shutting him down should make the difference against the Bucks.

Smart’s defense is also about a lot more than the individual matchup. He is the only player who has versatility that will really help Al Horford. The Celtics have not been defending the three nearly as well as they should be, and the impact Smart has on defense would make it more difficult for anyone on the Bucks to hit their threes regularly.

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Smart has also built a reputation of stepping up in the playoffs, and actually becoming a decent shooter. Who knows what version of him we will get playoff time, but after the Bucks tied this series at 2-2, the Celtics know how important it could be getting Smart back in the lineup as they try to save or close out the first round.

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