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DraftKings Post-Ups: Smart's Expected To Miss Two-Plus Weeks

Marc D'Amico
Team Reporter and Analyst

Sunday, November 22 - Celtics at Nets

Pregame - Smart is Expected To Miss At Least Two Weeks

BROOKLYN – The Boston Celtics will be without guard Marcus Smart for “a couple of weeks-plus,” according to head coach Brad Stevens.

Stevens broke the news just minutes ago that Smart suffered a subluxation of the proximal tib-fib joint during Friday night’s game. In short, Stevens explained, the injury means that the joint “went in and out” and “that aggravates the muscle and the tendons around [the joint].”

Smart will now begin the rehab process, which will likely begin with treatment and eventually progress to exercises that will be aimed at strengthening the tendons and the muscles surrounding the joint.

In the meantime, Boston will be forced to move on without one of its rotational mainstays. Smart ranks third on the team in minutes per game, narrowly trailing Jae Crowder and Isaiah Thomas, with an average of 29.1. He eats up minutes at point guard, shooting guard and even small forward when Boston goes small.

The Celtics will play nine games over the next 15 days, seven of which will be road games, during Smart’s expected absence. Expect a handful of Boston’s players to see an increase in playing time during that stretch.

First and foremost is Evan Turner. He will continue to come off the bench but will surely see more minutes at the point guard spot with Smart on the mend. Turner will now be the team’s backup point guard.

Next, as Stevens stated before tonight’s game, is Jonas Jerebko. Turner’s time at point guard will open up more minutes at small forward, and Jerebko will be the beneficiary of those minutes.

Lastly, a trio of youngsters will likely get a shot to fill in depending on the nightly matchups.

R.J. Hunter has been at the front of the line for Boston’s young players. He was playing even while Smart was healthy; his sharp shooting stroke should be on display even more often now that Smart is out of the lineup.

James Young and Terry Rozier, who on Saturday were recalled from the Maine Red Claws, are the final two players who will likely get a shot. They are each coming off of stellar performances Friday night in Maine. Young stuffed the stat sheet with 26 points, 15 rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Rozier tallied 16 points and eight assists.

Stevens commented on the development of Hunter, Young and Rozier ahead of Sunday’s game.

“I think the biggest thing is it’s just a different level for them, even a different level than the preseason,” Stevens said. “Now, when you’re in the middle of the game and you’re in the middle of a six-minute stint, a seven-minute stint, that has a huge impact on the result of the game. I think the biggest thing they can keep doing is learning, growing and controlling what they can.”

It is highly likely that all three of those young players will garner playing stints during Smart’s absence. As Stevens said, “Those guys are all available, and I won’t hesitate to use any of them.”

- Marc D'Amico