Boston Celtics combo guard Marcus Smart has already been ruled out for Games 1 and 2 against the Milwaukee Bucks, as he's still recovering from a torn oblique.

Celtics general manager Danny Ainge says it's a “long shot” Smart plays in Games 3 and 4 as well.

Marcus Smart was given a recovery timeline of 4-6 weeks, so he remains at risk of missing the entire second round. The Celtics are hoping their rugged defender will somehow be able to suit up in the Bucks series.

Article Continues Below
More Boston Celtics News
Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) controls the ball while New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) defends in the second half during game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden.
Celtics rumors: Boston’s stance on trading Jrue Holiday after failed NBA title defenseDavid Yapkowitz ·
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) looks to pass in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden
Celtics’ Jayson Tatum issues 7-word message on Achilles injury rehabDaniel Donabedian ·
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) shoots the ball as New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) defends in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
Shaquille O’Neal throws shade at Celtics’ Jayson Tatum’s HOF credentialsZachary Howell ·
Jaylen Brown photoshopped in Spurs jersey
Spurs’ trade proposal for Jaylen Brown if Celtics blow it upBailey Bassett ·
Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (middle left) and forward Tari Eason (middle right) hold towels on their faces during game seven of the first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center.
NBA rumors: Rockets ‘anticipating’ Celtics trade talksDavid Yapkowitz ·
image thumbnail
Celtics rumors: Will Boston target rising center prospect in NBA Draft?Owen Crisafulli ·

During the regular season, Smart averaged 8.9 points, 2.9 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game. He shot 42.2 percent from the field, 36.4 percent from beyond the arc and 80.6 percent from the free-throw line. The Celtics were 48-32 when Smart was in the lineup.

Smart is one of the best one-on-one defenders in the NBA. The energy and grit he plays with is why he's one of the most popular players on the Celtics. Smart is always the first one to dive onto the floor and risk his body for the betterment of the team.

The Bucks are the No. 1 seed in the playoffs. The Celtics are going to have to play perfect basketball on both sides of the floor if they want to upset the Bucks.