‘No concern’ for Celtics’ Marcus Smart’s injury status entering NBA Finals against Warriors

The Celtics finally get more than a day off as they’ve gone the past couple weeks playing a game every other day. All that rest should help in preparation for the NBA Finals as the Celtics take on the Warriors.

Boston came away from its Eastern Conference Finals win over the Heat plenty banged up for a couple of its starters. Marcus Smart had dealt with an ankle sprain, along with other issues, while Robert Williams III will continue to be day-to-day because of left knee soreness. Smart should be all good heading into the Finals, though, according to C’s coach Ime Udoka.

“There’s no concern about that,” Udoka said. “The swelling is what it is. That’ll dissipate as time goes by. The pain tolerance thing, he can play through a lot and he did that and played heavy minutes.”

Smart’s been hurt throughout the playoffs as multiple injuries have sidelined him from games. He missed Game 2 against the Bucks because of a thigh contusion. Smart sat out Game 1 against the Heat due to a mid-foot sprain. He also missed Game 4 of the East Finals because of the recent ankle sprain, which he suffered in the Game 3 loss to Miami.

But Smart’s played through different injuries, which is why Udoka wasn’t worried about Smart going forward.

The Celtics will need a healthy, effective Smart as they look to down the Warriors in the Finals. The league’s Defensive Player of the Year is crucial for Boston’s defense, and he’ll likely be matched up against Stephen Curry. The Celtics, who boast the No. 1 defense from the season, will look to slow down the dangerous Warriors offense throughout the Finals. That starts with Smart, the team’s emotional and defensive leader.

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