The Philadelphia 76ers shocked the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of their NBA Playoffs second-round series on Monday night. Without an injured Joel Embiid in the mix, the Sixers came into Game 1 in Boston as the heavy underdogs. James Harden and Co. didn't see it that way, though, and they came up with a masterful performance as a unit to escape with an unlikely 119-115 victory in the series opener.

At this point, the Celtics have no choice but to win Game 2 on Wednesday. After all, losing the opening two games at home would be disastrous for the No. 2 seed Celtics, and it could spell the end of the line for them. Unfortunately for Boston, they might need to battle the Sixers on Wednesday without Marcus Smart after last season's Defensive Player of the Year popped up on the injury report ahead of Game 2.

Marcus Smart injury status for Game 2 vs. Sixers

Article Continues Below
More Boston Celtics News
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 ·
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) and center Al Horford (42) and guard Jrue Holiday (4) react in the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks during game one of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden.
NBA rumors: Insider suggests Knicks could steal Celtics veteranMalik Brown ·
image thumbnail
Celtics legend Paul Pierce gets last laugh with Knicks callout after ECF lossOwen Crisafulli ·
image thumbnail
Clippers trade proposal lands Jrue Holiday from CelticsJedd Pagaduan ·
Cavaliers' guard Darius Garland with Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle - NBA trade rumors and scenarios
Timberwolves’ Darius Garland trade headlines 4 intriguing scenarios before NBA DraftBrett Siegel ·

Smart looked like he was in considerable pain on the bench in the third quarter after taking an elbow to the chest. It's this same injury that has now forced Boston to have their defensive stalwart listed as questionable to play for Game 2. Smart is dealing with a chest contusion and it has led to his status being up in the air for Wednesday's must-win contest.

The good news here is that the injury doesn't sound overly serious. Smart will likely play through the pain in Game 2, and while he might not be 100 percent healthy, the veteran should still be able to make a significant impact in Wednesday's crucial matchup.