ATLANTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 21: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics reacts after falling to the floor battling for a rebound against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter of Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 21, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart injured his tailbone during Game 3 against the Atlanta Hawks. Will he play in Game 4 on Sunday?
The Boston Celtics were looking to go for a sweep in the first round at the expense of the Atlanta Hawks, but were denied an attempt at that feat in Game 3. The Hawks picked up the 130-122 victory behind a 32-point performance by star Trae Young. But during that game, there was an injury to one of Boston’s pivotal players.
In the fourth quarter Marcus Smart took a hard fall onto his lower back. Even so, he finished the game, scoring 24 points, dishing out eight assists, hauling three rebounds and recording three steals in the loss.
The Celtics will look to avoid the Hawks tying the series up at two games apiece on Sunday, Apr. 23 at 7:00 p.m. ET. Will Boston have Smart available on the court?
Celtics: Is Marcus Smart playing in Game 4 vs. the Hawks?
When speaking with the media on Saturday, Smart said that he is dealing with a sore tailbone and that he’s uncertain that he will play in Game 4. Smart’s comments can be heard in the video below, courtesy of Celtics on CLNS Media.
For those who wanted official word from the NBA’s injury report, Smart is listed as questionable with a lower back contusion. That update comes as of 4:30 p.m. ET on Apr. 23.
Through the first three games of the series of the series, Smart is averaging 16.3 points, 7.0 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 3.0 steals while shooting 46.3-percent from the field and 40.9-percent from the three-point line.
In regards to who will start in place of Smart if he is ruled out, it may very well be Payton Pritchard. Malcolm Brodgdon is the team’s Sixth Man, and has been successful in that role. So the third point guard behind Smart is Pritchard. But, Celtics fans will get their answers once Game 4 commences.