-
Tim BontempsESPN
MIAMI — Boston CelticsThursday morning, it was announced that Marcus SmartIt has been upgraded from probable to probable for Thursday’s Game 2 in the Eastern Conference finals against The Miami Heat.
Smart is expected back in Boston’s starting lineup, as Boston’s pointguard and floor general at both ends. He was not present at Boston’s game. 118-107 Game 1 lossDue to the midfoot strain he sustained in the Celtics’ 7-0 win over the Milwaukee BucksSunday afternoon in Eastern Conference semifinals. Smart suffered injuries when he fell over Bucks’ star forward. Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Ime Udoka, Celtics coach, said that he is better but still needs to try it out pregame. He’s likely to play tonight. We’ll find out more about him when he plays before the game. However, he did look better during shootaround today, and we expect him to play tonight.
Celtics center Al HorfordMeanwhile, he was upgraded to questionable Thursday afternoon after being upgraded from doubtful Wednesday evening after he suddenly entered the NBA’s safety protocol shortly before Game 1.
A player can return to action after being tested positive for the coronavirus by either returning two consecutive negative PCR (polymerase chains reaction) tests less than 24 hours apart, or returning two consecutive PCR samples sampled within at least 24 hour intervals with cycle threshold (CT), values greater than 30, beginning no earlier than Day 4 and 5.
Udoka stated that “we’re unsure about him status until some testing results return,” shortly before Horford’s upgrade from questionable to probable. “There is always a chance, but at this point he’s uncertain.”
The Celtics also announced Derrick WhiteBecause he is expecting a baby with his wife, he will not be able to attend Game 2.
Udoka stated that Derrick was having a baby. It happened sooner than I expected. However, we stand by our men in such situations. He was forced to rush home today.
White took Smart’s place in Game 1 and scored three points and four assists over 29 minutes. White is expected back with the team on Saturday night, when the series returns to Boston.