Celtics G Smart eyes Game 6 return

Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart said he will have his surgically repaired right thumb evaluated Tuesday and is hopeful he will be available for Game 6 in the team's Eastern Conference first-round series with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Smart tore a ligament in the thumb during a March 11 game against the Indiana Pacers.

"The surgery did its job," Smart told reporters prior to Sunday's 104-102 loss to the Bucks in Game 4. "Thumb is holding up well. I feel ready, I feel strong enough to get back out there. I'm just waiting on the OK."

Smart was initially eyeing a return for a potential Game 7 in the series tied at two games apiece. But he now sees Thursday's contest as a realistic possibility should he be cleared for contract.

"Right now, (Game 6 return is) the plan and we're still on the same track," Smart said. "I've been doing everything but contact, so I will be able to go and start that."

Smart will also wear a splint when he returns. Both coach Brad Stevens and Smart said the splint is designed so that it won't affect Smart's shooting.

"Real comfortable. It feels like nothing's there," Smart said. "To have that comfortability, especially in my dominant hand, my shooting hand, that's a good feeling to have."

--Field Level Media