The Boston Celtics are riding a nine-game winning streak into a matchup with the measly Detroit Pistons. The team is firing on all cylinders and climbing closer to the Eastern Conference's top seed. After an injury to one of their key players in their last game, the Celtics may be shorthanded against Cade Cunningham, Jerami Grant and company. Is Marcus Smart playing tonight?

Is Marcus Smart playing vs. Pistons

Smart tweaked his ankle against the Philadelphia 76ers last night. Celtics head coach Ime Udoka made the injury sound significant after the game and the team announced that Smart is doubtful to play tonight, as is Robert Williams.

Since it is the Celtics' last game before the All-Star break and the Pistons are a very beatable team without Smart anyway, they will likely rest him. It would be a wise decision, as Smart's health down the stretch of the season is of the utmost importance.

Smart averages 11.7 points per game along with 5.3 assists and 1.8 steals, which both lead the team. He is their vocal leader and defensive anchor, which is an especially important role given that Boston's defense is their identity. The 27-year-old takes on the opposing team's toughest matchup and is always bothering opponents with his relentless hustle and physicality.

At 34-25, the Celtics are sixth in the conference. They are 3.5 games back of the top seed and have been playing excellent since the calendar turned over to 2022. Their rocky start and leadership crisis are things of the past. So long as Smart is fortunate enough to avoid a bad injury — which seems to be the case since he could possibly play tonight — Boston should be able to compete for the conference crown.