Marcus Smart to Undergo Thumb Surgery, Could Return for Playoffs

Marcus Smart has a torn ligament in his right thumb and has remained out indefinitely as the Celtics worked to determine whether or not it required surgery, and whether or not it would end his season.

Turns out he’s opted for surgery.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski, Smart will have repair surgery on the right thumb. As for what it means for the remainder of his season, the Celtics are hopeful he could return for the playoffs.

Celtics guard Marcus Smart will undergo surgery on his thumb today, but there's hope he can return sometime in the playoffs, league source tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 16, 2018

Unfortunately for Boston, Smart’s injury comes at a woeful time as it recently lost Daniel Theis to a season-ending injury. Kyrie Irving, the team’s star, could also require surgery on a hobbled knee, and both Jaylen Brown and Al Horford have missed time recently with various ailments.

The Celtics currently boast the fourth best record in the NBA and sit at second place in the Eastern Conference behind the Toronto Raptors at 47-22. They are five games back from first place and 7 games ahead of third place challenger Cleveland.

Although Smart’s 30.1 percent average from the 3-point line — which ranks 155 out of 158 among qualified players, per ESPN! — isn’t likely to boost Boston up to the 1 line before the postseason, his contributions elsewhere will be vital if the C’s are to challenge for the NBA Finals.