Looking to take a lead in their Eastern Conference semifinals series, the Boston Celtics are prepared for the “strong likelihood” Marcus Smart will be available for Game 3 on Saturday.
The NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year was not available for Tuesday’s 109-86 Game 2 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks at home because of a right quad contusion. Boston’s victory tied the series at a game each.
“We’ll know more tomorrow based on how it feels today,” Celtics head coach Ime Udoka said Thursday. “But obviously looks better today than he did. Just moving around, walking around the last few days when he couldn’t go. We’ll know more tomorrow.”
Smart, 28, averaged 12.1 points with 5.9 assists in 71 games this season. He also was a key reason Boston held opponents to 104.5 points per game in the regular season to lead the NBA.
“My guys know, anybody who knows me understands that if I’m gonna miss a game, especially a playoff game, something’s really gotta be really wrong,” Smart said.
–Field Level Media
Well-traveled coach Rick Pitino could be on the move again. Pitino, who is listed by NCAA Statistics to have a coaching record of 711-290 and has two national championships in…
Sophomore Ryan Nembhard poured in a career-high 30 points and No. 6 seed Creighton converted all 22 of its free throw attempts to earn an 85-76 victory over third-seeded Baylor…
Keldon Johnson had 29 points and 12 rebounds and Devin Vassell added 29 points as the San Antonio Spurs came back from 24 points down to beat the visiting Atlanta…
NCAA Tournament roundup: No. 6 Creighton ousts No. 3 Baylor
NBA roundup: Spurs overcome 24-point deficit, down Hawks
No. 3 Gonzaga reaches Sweet 16 again with win over No. 6 TCU
Warriors face Rockets looking for first road win since All-Star break