The Boston Celtics were the hottest team in the league heading into the All-Star break. Despite losing to the Detroit Pistons in their last game, they pieced together a nine-game winning streak and excelled on both sides of the ball, especially defense. Getting back to their winning ways by continuing their stout defense could thrust them into the championship conversation.

The only concern heading out of the break is Marcus Smart's status. He missed the Celtics' last game before the break after twisting his ankle against the Philadelphia 76ers. Although he was nearly cleared to play against Detroit, the injury looked bad.

Celtics head coach Ime Udoka laid those concerns to rest by saying that Smart will be ready to go in Boston's first game back from the break against the Brooklyn Nets. Robert Williams will also make his return after missing the previous two games with a calf issue.

Both of them are extremely valuable to Boston's defense. Smart leads the team in steals and guards the team's best perimeter player while Williams, the team's blocks leader, boasts impressive versatility and is their key rim protector. The Celtics still start and end with Smart. Avoiding a long-term injury was a very fortunate break for him and the team.

The Celtics, at 34-26, are sixth in the Eastern Conference and just on the edge of the play-in tournament. If Derrick White can pick up his shooting splits and the bench proves to be more effective, though, they should have no problem securing a playoff spot.

Udoka said that the break was very beneficial to the Celtics. Now that they have had time to unwind, they will be fully healthy as they look to continue their dominance.