3 years agoBoston Celtics point/shooting guard Marcus Smart (hand) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Clippers due to persistent issues with a laceration on his right hand. The absence of Smart paves the way for Payton Pritchard to once again see a massive usage increase, having gone for 24 points, eight rebounds, and six assists across 45 minutes Monday. Smart has seen his scoring (10.9) and assists (5.5) per game average dip this season, but he remains a sound season-long option due to his steals (2.0 per outing) contributions. Head coach Ime Udoka believed that the ailment would be a "short-term" one, paving the way for Smart return as soon as Friday vs. Phoenix.--Jesse Borek
Source: Boston Celtics