Boston Celtics' Marcus Smart Expected to Return Wednesday

The Boston Celtics should finally have the 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year back in action on Wednesday night. Marcus Smart was left off the NBA Injury Report, indicating he is cleared for tonight's matchup with the Detroit Pistons.

Looks like Marcus Smart and Al Horford are back tonight. Jayson Tatum not on report. Even Derrick White is probable.

No Jaylen or Muscala. pic.twitter.com/OEhUELYJwN
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) February 15, 2023

Smart has missed 11 straight games with a right ankle sprain suffered in a January 21st 106-104 win over the Toronto Raptors. He has appeared in 41 of a possible 58 games this season while averaging 11.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game. He remains one of the NBA's most feared guards on defense.

The Celtics also appear poised to return Jayson Tatum and Al Horford to the starting lineup after both players missed last night's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. At 41-17, the Celtics have dominated the Eastern Conference and appear to be getting healthier as they approach the All Star break. They'll have a great chance to earn home-field advantage through the playoffs and make the NBA Finals for the second straight season.

Following tonight's game against the Pistons, the Celtics don't play again until a February 23rd matchup against the Indiana Pacers.