Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens says he is leaning toward keeping Marcus Smart in the team's starting lineup.

Smart started for Jaylen Brown on Monday against the New Orleans Pelicans because Brown missed the game due to a back injury. Smart played 39 minutes and finished with eight points, two rebounds, five assists and one block. The Celtics won by a final score of 124-107.

Kyrie Irving is the best player on the Celtics, but Marcus Smart's importance can't be overlooked. His energy, defense and toughness are needed right now. Nothing is set in stone yet, but once Brown returns from his back injury, Marcus Morris will likely go to the bench, while Smart remains in the starting lineup alongside Irving, Jayson Tatum, Al Horford and Brown.

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In 21 games this season, Marcus Smart is averaging 6.4 points, 2.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game. The 24-year-old is shooting 37.5 percent from the field, 31.3 percent from beyond the arc and 76.9 percent from the free-throw line.

The Celtics were picked by many to win the Eastern Conference this season. It's still early, but Boston doesn't look like a contender right now. They are just 11-10 on the year, sixth place in the Eastern Conference. Gordon Hayward has been moved to the bench due to his struggles on the court. The Celtics just haven't been able to find their rhythm yet.

Maybe keeping Marcus Smart in the starting lineup will turn Boston's season around. That's what Brad Stevens is hoping for.