Marcus Smart injures ankle again, likely out tonight vs. Pistons

The Boston Celtics just can't catch a break.

After a respectable showing in the first half last night against the Golden State Warriors, the Celts collapsed in the third, and Marcus Smart injured his left ankle - the same one he was recently out for much of the start of the season - sending him to the bench for the rest of the game.

With Al Horford (concussion) and Jae Crowder (ankle) out injured and questionable for tonight's game against a team (the Detroit Pistons) with arguably the best rebounding big man in the league - Andre Drummond - Boston once again finds itself behind the eight ball, looking to avoid falling below .500 against a team many predicted to be unlikely to challenge the Celtics much over the regular season.


A small wrinkle of hope can be found in the fact that Smart's ankle injury, while on the same foot, is a contusion (bruise), not sprain, meaning it isn't likely related to his injury earlier this year. At present, he's doubtful for tonight, but may be back in action as soon as Monday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

There's a small chance Horford or Crowder could return as well, but it's not a good idea to get hopes up for either. Both are taking care not to return to soon, and endanger their longer-term health in a rush to improve playoff seeding. It may be frustrating, but it is definitely the right decision.




Photo via Doug Duran/Bay Area News Group
Follow Justin at @justinquinnn
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