The Boston Celtics have made it clear to everyone that they are a force to be reckoned with, defeating the defending NBA Champion Milwaukee Bucks in Game 7 on Sunday in convincing fashion. While it’s obviously great to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat, there are some concerns following the game that have Celtics fans worried.
Celtics guard Marcus Smart suffered a mid-foot sprain on Sunday. His MRI came back clean with no serious damage, but he is listed as questionable for Game 1 on Tuesday.
This has Celtics fans hoping that the NBA Defensive Player of the Year can return in time for their matchup in Miami.
Smart’s impact can not be understated for the Celtics in their past series against Milwaukee. He was often tasked with guarding Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Despite being heavily outsized, Smart held his own quite well and greatly aided the Celtics in their attempt to slow him down.
The Celtics also received some terrific news regarding center Robert Williams. Williams has been used sparingly this past series after returning from a torn meniscus back in March.
Celtics head coach Ime Udoka said that Williams will not have any restrictions for the team’s upcoming series, which could loom extremely large for the Celtics moving forward.
Williams was fourth in the NBA in blocks per game this regular season and had a very good argument for Defensive Player of the Year if Smart didn’t win the award.
Both players played a huge part in the Celtics being the top defense this year in the NBA, and these reports suggest that both will be available for most of the upcoming series, which is great news for the Celtics going forward.
[Adrian Wojnarowski, Tim Bontemps]