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Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka admits Marcus Smart is in a lot of pain after he sustained a right thigh contusion in Game 1 of their playoff series with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Smart has already been ruled out in Game 2 of the series, and heading to Tuesday's showdown, Udoka opened up about the condition of their guard and why he's unable to get the green light to suit up in the crucial game.
“Pain. Restricted movement. … limited movement that didn’t get better,” Udoka said of Smart, per Jeff Goodman of Stadium.
The Celtics head coach also shared that there is some swelling in Marcus Smart's thigh, but he did note their belief that the injury is not long-term and the Defensive Player of the Year will be able to return sooner rather than later.
Obviously, Smart is a major part of the Celtics and his absence is already a big blow to their chances of beating the Bucks and tying the series before they head on the road.
Unfortunately, Ime Udoka and his Boston squad cannot do anything but be patient about Smart's injury. There is no use in rushing him since thigh contusions are really difficult to recover from, and there is more risk for Smart to make worsen the issue if he forces himself to play.
As for fans, they can only hope that Smart recovers fast and get back to the team when they play on the road. Good thing there is a three-day gap for Boston between Games 2 and 3.
