The Boston Celtics are prepared for Game 4 against the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the 2023 NBA playoffs. Up 2-1, they want to win this game so that they can secure the gentleman's sweep at home. But there was a huge question to ask before tip-off at 7:00 PM EST: Is Marcus Smart playing in Game 4 vs. the Hawks?

That question has been answered.

Marcus Smart injury status for Celtics' Game 4 vs. Hawks

Smart has not yet missed a game against the Hawks and was listed as questionable on the NBA injury report due to a lower back contusion. However, the Celtics point guard has been ruled active, per Boston's Twitter account. The defensive stalwart took a hard fall in Boston's loss and said that he was dealing with soreness. He has averaged 16.3 points, 7.0 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 3.0 steals per game while shooting 46.3 percent from the field and 40.9 percent from deep.

The Celtics are still in a great position to beat the Hawks but did get a wake-up call in Game 3. A flurry of shooting from Atlanta's bench helped the Hawks secure a 130-122 win while Trae Young and Dejounte Murray stuffed the stat sheet. Smart initially said that he was unsure of his status for Game 4. Celtics fans can breath again as he will be in the lineup.

Danilo Gallinari, who is still recovering from an ACL tear, is the only Celtics player unavailable. The Hawks should have a clean bill of health.

This is a crucial game for both teams. Either Boston will take a commanding lead going back home or it will be tied up.