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Tim BontempsESPN
Boston CelticsGuard Marcus Smartis in doubt for Game 1 against the Eastern Conference finals Miami HeatCoach Ime Udoka reported Monday that the player had suffered a right middlefoot strain.
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported that Smart had an MRI done on Monday and was clean. Smart will then test the foot Tuesday.
He had a very bad fall and got bent up. Udoka stated that he has a midfoot sprain and it's tender and sore now. He'll receive round-the-clock treatment, and right now he will be listed as “questionable”.
Smart fell and appeared to sustain the injury. Milwaukee Bucksstar Giannis AntetokounmpoBoston's 109-81 victory in Game 7Sunday's Eastern Conference semifinals.
Center Robert Williams IIIOn Sunday, however, Williams didn't participate. Udoka indicated before the game that Williams was available and that it wasn't his intention to interrupt his rotation.
He stated Monday that Williams will not have any restrictions going into the series versus the Heat and that it will be simpler to integrate him at a beginning of a series than in the middle.
Rob is available as last night. He is available as needed, I stated. I am always cautious about guys being laid off without touching the court. But it is different to start a new series than to be injected into a Game 7/Game 6 or whatever the case was. He's still available and looking better each day.
Williams has been a big part of Boston this season. He played in 61 games, averaging 10.6 points per game and 9.6 rebounds, all career highs. After undergoing surgery to his left knee, Williams missed the final season and the start of the playoffs. He also missed time against Milwaukee due to a bone bruise on the same knee.
The Celtics won't care about the status of Williams and Smart. They just need to keep going and face the Heat. This will be a similar match-up as the Celtics with their elite wing scoring and burly defense. Jimmy Butler.
The Celtics have declared that they are ready to take on any challenge after going up against the Bucks.
Horford said, “It is the playoffs, but I feel like the deeper you go, the more intense it's physically.” “Even though it was physically demanding for us in the first round, it won't be any different. While both teams play hard, both teams are tops in defense and one of the best in the league. This is what it looks like at the moment. It's obvious that both teams will be working hard.
