Celtics, Smart optimistic about Game 3 return from quad injury

Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart said there's a strong chance he'll return from his quad injury for Saturday's pivotal Game 3 against the Milwaukee Bucks, according to The Athletic's Jared Weiss.

The Defensive Player of the Year said he's on the last step of a rehabilitation process that'll allow him to bend his knee and joints.

"Once that goes away, I should be back to myself," said Smart.

Celtics head coach Ime Udoka and president of basketball operations Brad Stevens are also hopeful Smart will return for the clash in Milwaukee, according to The Boston Globe's Nicole Yang.

"He's feeling better every day. These three days have been big for him," Udoka said.

Smart suffered the injury in the second quarter of the opening game of the second-round series but attempted to play through pain. He missed the following game, with Derrick White starting in his place.

The 28-year-old Smart averaged 15.2 points, 6.8 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in five playoff games.