Marcus Smart injury update: Celtics guard hoping to play in Game 4

Kirstie Chiappelli

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Marcus Smart injury update: Celtics guard hoping to play in Game 4 image

Marcus Smart remains optimistic about his availability this week.

The Celtics announced the guard has been cleared for full contact, adding that he played 3-on-3 Saturday and was a full participant in practice Sunday.

While speaking to reporters Sunday, Smart said he's "hopeful" he'll be able to play in Game 4 against the Bucks on Monday but will see how he feels the morning of the matchup.

Smart tore his oblique in mid-April and was initially expected to be out four to six weeks, though he's been dealing with a "tough" rehab process.

“Today was a great day,” Smart said Thursday. "I was able to do some things, more and more. This is the next step, the next process to getting me back on the court to be able to do simple things like basketball activities such as driving to the rim and really moving."

However, he admitted there was still no firm timetable for his return.

"We're taking it day-by-day,” Smart added. "Unfortunately, there's nothing really you can do. One day it might feel good, one day it might not. So, you've got to take it day-by-day and take it slow.

"Pain level is going down. The breathing is getting better. It's not as sore, so that's even better. Mild contact, in the fact I get bumped, like just walking down the street, two weeks ago that was excruciating pain for me. This week it is better.”

Smart, 25, finished the regular season averaging 8.9 points, 2.9 rebounds and four assists. He shot 42.2 percent from the field and 36.4 percent from 3-point range.

Milwaukee, holding a 2-1 series lead, is slated to visit Boston at 7 p.m. ET Monday.

Kirstie Chiappelli