The Boston Celtics are currently on the verge of being on the outside of the playoff picture. With a home game against the Philadelphia 76ers on deck, they have the chance to secure a big win over their division rival. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will be ready to go. However, the availability of one key member of the Celtics is in question. Is Marcus Smart playing tonight?

Is Marcus Smart playing vs. Sixers

Smart has been the team's heart and soul for nearly a decade now. His impact will be missed tonight, though. Boston announced that Smart will not be available to play against the Sixers, as he entered the NBA's health and safety protocols. The Sixers will be missing some key players tonight as well.

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Smart is averaging 11.6 points, 5.3 assists and 1.9 steals this season. Boston will miss his presence against the Sixers, as he always brings the intensity to face off against Joel Embiid. With the Sixers superstar in a groove lately and the Celtics missing their best defender, Embiid could have himself another big game.

The pressure will be put on Robert Williams and Al Horford to step up against Embiid and Tatum and Brown to carry the Celtics' offense. This season has not been kind to the Celtics, as Brown recently pointed out. Smart was absent in the Celtics' last game after bumping knees with Indiana Pacers big man Domantas Sabonis. Missing him for a long time would be very detrimental to the Celtics.