Celtics Marcus Smart May Return Following All Star Break
On Saturday, January 30th, 2021 the Boston Celtics star guard Marcus Smart suffered a left calf strain which has sidelined him for the last few weeks. As Smart is rehabbing this injury he hopes to make a return to the Boston Celtics line up following the NBA All – Star break. The 2020 – 2021 NBA All – Star break will be held in Atlanta, Georgia from March 5th to March 10th, 2021.
It is obvious to see that Smart’s absence on the court has been hurting the Boston Celtics as of late. The Boston Celticsare 5 and 6 since Marcus endured his leg injury, and they are currently in the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference standings with an overall record of 15 and 14. Not to mention that the Eastern Conference standings are extremely close right now so a loss or two can drop you down several spots real fast depending on the play of the teams below them.
Marcus Smart’s Impact on the 2020 – 2021 NBA Season
As of now Smart is having his best NBA season according to the numbers and statistics. Marcus has been posting a career high in points per game with 13.1, assists per game with 6.1, and steals per game as he is averaging 1.8 steals per contest. He has always been known for being a great defender, and he has been leading the Boston Celtics in such defensive categories like loose ball recoveries as well as deflections.
Recovery Process and Status
Smart has still been traveling with the Boston Celtics to their games including a trip to New Orleans this weekend. He has been lightly participating in on the court drills and activities, but Marcus has been mostly taking it easy in order to protect his left leg injury from becoming further aggravated.
The Boston Celtics first game following the 2020 – 2021 NBA All – Star break has yet to be officially scheduled but that is approximately when Smart should be able to return to live game action for the Boston Celtics. Hopefully Marcus can return 100 % healthy for the second half of the regular season in order to help the Boston Celtics make a strong playoff push.
Marcus Smart’s Basketball Career Achievements, Honors, and Awards
- 2 Time NBA All – Defensive First Team (2019, 2020)
- NBA All – Rookie Second Team (2015)
- NBA Hustle Award (2019)
- Consensus Second – Team All – American (2013)
- Third – Team All – American – NABC (2014)
- Big 12 Player of the Year (2013)
- 2 Time First – Team All – Big 12 (2013, 2014)
- USBWA National Freshman of the Year (2013)
- Big 12 Freshman of the Year (2013)
- McDonald’s All – American (2012)
- Texas Mr. Basketball (2012)
Odds to Win the 2020 – 2021 NBA Championship
According to Intertops sportsbook these are the odds as of Sunday, February 21st, 2021 to win the 2020 – 2021 NBA championship outright.
Team Odds
Los Angeles Lakers +240
Brooklyn Nets +350
Los Angeles Clippers +500
Milwaukee Bucks +650
Utah Jazz +800
Philadelphia 76ers +1400
Boston Celtics +2000
Denver Nuggets +2200
Miami Heat +3300
Phoenix Suns +3300
Dallas Mavericks +4000
Indiana Pacers +4000
Toronto Raptors +5000
Portland Trail Blazers +5000
Golden State Warriors +6000
San Antonio Spurs +6000
New Orleans Pelicans +7500
Atlanta Hawks +8000
Houston Rockets +10000
New York Knicks +10000
Memphis Grizzlies +12500
Oklahoma City Thunder +15000
Sacramento Kings +15000
Orlando Magic +20000
Washington Wizards +20000
Charlotte Hornets +20000
Chicago Bulls +25000
Cleveland Cavaliers +30000
Minnesota Timberwolves +40000
Detroit Pistons +50000