The Boston Celtics announced that their two most key defenders, Marcus Smart and Robert Williams, were questionable for Thursday’s Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
Going into the title round of the playoffs, it’s unlikely either would miss a playoff game unless physically unable. Smart is still dealing with a sprained ankle he suffered in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals and a sprained foot he suffered during Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Milwaukee Bucks. He missed four games in the Celtics playoff run, including Games 1 and 4 against the Heat.
Smart, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, has averaged 15.5 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.5 rebounds in the playoffs.
“The ankle was a pretty serious injury,” Smart said. “I’m thankful to be able to play, let alone still walk.”
Williams has been battling knee issues since late March. Williams has missed seven games of the playoffs due to knee issues, including the first two games of the playoffs and four straight during Boston’s second-round series win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
Williams’ length and athletic range next to Al Horford allow Boston to play two switchable bigs who can defend the rim.
“It’s manageable,” Williams said Wednesday. “Kind of been getting in a routine the past couple games, what I have to go through to have myself ready to play — Obviously, the couple days between these series helped, too.”
The two played in Sunday’s Game 7 win against the Miami Heat. Smart finished with 24 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists. Williams finished with two points and three rebounds in 15 minutes of action.
According to Coach Ime Udoka, both players felt better from where they were as of Sunday’s Game 7 in Miami.
