Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart has yet to play in the playoffs after suffering a torn oblique in the final weeks of the regular season, but he may be suiting up for Game 4 against the Milwaukee Bucks:

Smart's status has been somewhat of a question marks since he was first diagnosed with the injury. Initially, the timeline recovery was 4-6 weeks. However, Smart was running sprints and shooting jumpers prior to the start of Boston's Eastern Conference Semifinal series against the Bucks, which seemed to lend itself to optimism from Celtics fans.

Should the 24-year-old be active for Monday's game, he will have actually beaten the timeline by a few days. Smart was diagnosed on Apr. 10, meaning he would return to action just 26 days after the injury.

If Smart plays, he could instantly galvanize a Celtics team that has been somewhat lacking in energy and heart in their two consecutive losses to Milwaukee. Boston dominated every aspect of the game in the series opener, but Milwaukee has controlled the paint in the last two games, and the Celtics have had no answer for Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has gotten to the free-throw line at will. Smart would be a valuable asset against Giannis.

Boston desperately needs a spark, and they will genuinely be hoping that Smart's body responds well to his first full practice. His presence on the floor could prove to be an invaluable factor in turning the tide of the series.