SHENZHEN, China — Marcus Smart went through Friday’s shootaround and is planning to play when Team USA faces Greece in the FIBA World Cup on Saturday.
The Boston Celtics guard missed Thursday’s game against Japan with a left quadriceps strain. He missed several weeks in August with a left calf strain.
“Today was a good day,” Smart said. “It feels good, and I plan on playing.”
Coach Gregg Popovich said he expects to have his entire roster other than Jayson Tatum, who is out with an ankle injury.
Smart’s defense could be needed as the Americans prepare for Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is expected to attack Team USA with full force after he played relatively light minutes earlier in the event.
The U.S. can afford a loss in second-round play and still have a chance to advance, but a victory would clinch a spot in the quarterfinals next week.
“It’s going to take a full-team effort on Giannis,” Smart said. “We know the threat he is.”