Celtics' Smart cleared for full contact, hopes to play Monday

Celtics guard Marcus Smart, recovering from a torn oblique muscle, has been cleared for full contract practice and is hopeful of playing in Game 4 vs. the Bucks in their Eastern Conference semifinal series.

#NEBHInjuryReport Marcus Smart has been cleared for full contact and played 3-on-3 yesterday. He fully participated in today’s practice. He says he’s hopeful to play tomorrow, but needs to see how his body reacts to practice.

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 5, 2019

Smart suffered a partial avulsion of his left oblique abdominal muscle off of his iliac crest. The injury occurred at 6:44 in the third quarter of an April 7th game against Orlando , following contact with the Magic’s Nikola Vucevic.

Following an MRI, the Celtics said Smart would be out four-to-six weeks, so Smart’s recovery is on schedule. The Celtics are down 2-1 in the series with the Bucks, with the winner moving to the East finals.

Bucks guard Malcolm Brogdan also is practicing and nearing a return from his foot injury, but he is out for Game 4.

Coach Bud: Malcolm Brogdon continues to make progress, but he is out for Game 4. #FearTheDeer | #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/ixd6bTO6vW

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) May 5, 2019

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