The Boston Celtics sustained a blow when talented guard and Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart suffered a thigh contusion in the Game 1 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in their NBA Playoff matchup. Smart, who has been restricted in his movements, was forced to sit out Game 2, which the Celtics were able to win. While head coach Ime Udoka said that the franchise thinks Smart will be ok for Game 3, there remains some uncertainty surrounding his status. On Thursday, general manager Brad Stevens appeared on 98.5's The Sports Hub and provided a hopeful injury update on Smart, as reported by Keith Smith.

Per Smith, Stevens said that Smart worked out in Boston on Wednesday, which was a scheduled off day for the rest of the team. The former head coach went on to say that the team is “hopeful, but not certain” that Smart will be out there for Game 3 against the Bucks.

It certainly seems as if Smart has upped his activity level. The Celtics will have a couple of days to assess where Smart is at before their NBA Playoff series against the Bucks resumes on Saturday in Milwaukee.

The 28-year-old has averaged 15.2 points, 6.8 assists, 1.4 steals and 2.2 three-pointers made per game in five playoff starts.

It seems that Smart is trending in the right direction, though time will tell if he is ultimately able to suit up for a pivotal Game 3.