Marcus Smart Injury: Celtics Reveal How Much Time Guard Could Miss

Smart exited Saturday's game with a calf injury

Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart will miss some time, but it could have been much worse.

Smart exited Boston’s 96-95 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night after suffering a calf injury in the fourth quarter. He was quickly ruled out of the game.

The injury had many wondering about Smart’s long-term availability, but according to the team, it seems Smart is (relatively) fine.

The Celtics released the following statement Sunday afternoon:

Following an MRI this morning, Celtics guard Marcus Smart was diagnosed with a Grade I tear of his left medial gastrocnemius. He is currently expected to return in approximately 2-3 weeks. Further updates will be provided as appropriate.

Boston will play seven games between Feb. 2 and Feb. 14 with a difficult West Coast road trip against the Warriors, Kings, Clippers, Sun and Jazz.

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Smart’s absence is more noteworthy as the Celtics already are without rookie guard Payton Pritchard and Kemba Walker is not likely to play back-to-backs.

The Celtics previously hinted at Pritchard, recovering from a Grade I MCL sprain, being able to return to on-court activities at the end of this week. Pritchard’s return would help offset Smart’s absence.