The Boston Celtics will host the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday for the second leg of a back-to-back. They took down the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday in a thrilling contest that went down to the wire, but they will have a very quick turnaround before taking on one of the top teams in the Western Conference.
After a disastrous season last year, the Grizzlies are back to form, led by Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. But perhaps most notably, they have Marcus Smart, who was a lifelong Celtic before last summer, when Boston traded him in a three-team deal that ultimately landed them Krsitaps Porzingis.
Smart was injured for most of last year and never got the chance to play against the Celtics, so Saturday should be a special night for him, his former teammates, and the fanbase. But it could be spoiled.
Marcus Smart is questionable to play on injury report vs. Celtics
Per Memphis’ injury report on Friday night, Smart is now listed as questionable to play on Saturday due to an ankle sprain.
Status Report: @memgrizz at @celtics, December 7: pic.twitter.com/K7JHAMgKZG
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) December 6, 2024
Smart came back to Boston last year. The Celtics played a tribute video, and the crowd gave him his round of applause. But that’s nothing compared to the thrill of seeing Smart actually play.
If he doesn’t get the chance to play in Boston, it would spoil a night that a lot of fans had been looking forward to since the schedule was announced. Some fans weren't the biggest fans of Smart, but those who were absolutely loved him.
After the win over the Bucks, Jayson Tatum spoke about how excited he was to see and play against Smart.
“Thrilled to see Smart tomorrow,” Tatum said. “As you all know, how much he means to this city, to this franchise. The ultimate Celtic. He'll always be a Celtic for life. I had played with him for six years. I didn't envision a time when I wouldn't be on his team.
“So, if he does play tomorrow, it'll be a little weird, but I'll probably go out there and tackle the s*** out of him or something. But I'm excited to see him. I know the fans are going to be thrilled to have Smart back in the building. So, it's gonna be a special moment.”
Smart hasn’t been having an amazing season, but lately, he’s improved his level of play. So far this year, Smart has appeared in 13 games, averaging 9.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists while shooting 37.9% from the floor and 32.3% from beyond the three-point arc.
His high-powered style of play, combined with the fact that Celtics fans have never seen him play in a different jersey at TD Garden, should make for a special evening.
Unless the injury report spoils it.