Coming into Tuesday, Celtics guard Marcus Smart was expected to be questionable for Game 2 against the defending champion Bucks.
However, the Defensive Player of the Year has now been downgraded to out.
Per Shams Charania, “Celtics say Marcus Smart is OUT for Game 2 vs. Bucks due to thigh contusion.”
Smart was already dealing with the contusion in Game 1. But back-to-back shots to the area in the third quarter forced the two-time All-Defensive team member to exit briefly.
Now the Celtics will be down their best defender in what many view as a must win game for Boston Tuesday night.
The Bucks had their way with Ime Udoka’s squad in the first game. Despite a poor shooting night, Giannis Antetokounmpo imposed his will on the action; and Milwaukee’s shooters had it going.
The Celtics were held under 90 points for the first time since December 29 in the 101-89 loss.
This isn’t the first time Marcus Smart has had to deal with a quad-related injury this season. He also missed six games in January due to a similar issue.