Report: Marcus Smart to miss exhibition in Africa due to dislocated fingers

Marcus Smart won't be participating in the NBA's first official foray onto African soil, after all.

The Boston Celtics sophomore point guard, who dislocated two fingers in his right hand during a Summer League game Thursday night, will miss the landmark Aug. 1 exhibition game in Johannesburg, South Africa, according to Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe.

Smart had been slated to play for Team World in the competition, along with five other American-born players (including Celtics teammate Evan Turner), Spain's Gasol brothers, and Montenegro's Nikola Vucevic.

X-rays on Smart's hand came back negative, but a bone in his hand reportedly punctured the skin, requiring stitches that could slow Smart's recovery.

"One source said the guard is disappointed about missing the game in Africa," writes Himmelsbach, "but relieved that his injury is not more serious."

Smart is expected to be ready for the start of the NBA regular season.

- With h/t to PBT