BOSTON (AP) Celtics guard Marcus Smart is active for Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against Milwaukee.
Smart was medically cleared by doctors and participated in the Celtics’ Tuesday morning shootaround. Coach Brad Stevens says he’ll come off the bench and wear a protective splint.
Smart had surgery on March 16 to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb. He hasn’t played in a game since March 11.
Smart’s return should provide a lift to a short-handed Boston backcourt. With Smart out, Terry Rozier has been starting with Kyrie Irving ruled out for the playoffs following his second knee surgery. Reserve Shane Larkin has been playing extra minutes to support Rozier.
Prior to his injury, Smart was averaging 10.2 points, 4.8 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game.
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