What happened to Marcus Smart? Why was the Celtics star ruled out of Game 2 vs Bucks?

Just a few hours before their second-round Game 2 clash in the NBA Playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Boston Celtics received a massive setback in the form of Marcus Smart. Smart was tipped to start for the Celtics in the second game of the seven-match series but was placed on the team’s injured list.

NBA fans were then curious to know what happened to Smart, who was impressive during Game 1 of the Bucks’ clash against the Celtics on Saturday. Smart was listed as ‘questionable’ before Game 2 but is his injury going to keep him out of action for a sustained period?

Image Credits – NBC Sports

Marcus Smart injury update: When will the Boston Celtics star return to action?

According to reports, Smart sustained a right thigh contusion before Game 2 vs the Bucks. He was then ruled out for the crunch game on Tuesday. He reportedly suffered the injury towards the end of Game 1. While he went to the locker room for treatment, Smart returned to the court for the second half and finished the game.

However, Smart’s injury didn’t heal quickly and he was not available for Game 2 on Tuesday. Despite his absence, the Celtics managed to get the better of the Bucks and tie the series 1-1.

Nevertheless, Celtics fans will be sweating over Smart’s injury and most of them are keen to know how long he will be out. Fortunately, for the Boston faithful, Smart’s injury isn’t that serious and the team are expecting him to return to action by Game 3 of the series on Saturday.

While speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Smart said, “Swelling, pain, restricted movement. So obviously swelling and he got hit pretty hard, so just some limited movement that didn’t get better over the day as we thought it would.”

The 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year has been instrumental for the Celtics this season. He ranked seventh in the NBA with 1.68 steals per game this regular season and tied for sixth with 119 total steals.