May 19, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) brings the ball up court during the first half against the Miami Heat in game two of the 2022 eastern conference finals at FTX Arena. Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

Boston's Marcus Smart won’t play in Game 4 due to swelling in right ankle

Originally posted on Hoops Rumors | By Dana Gauruder | Last updated 5/23/22

Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart will miss Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals tonight due to swelling in his sprained right ankle, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Celtics guard Marcus Smart will miss Game 4 vs. Miami tonight. There has been increased swelling in his sprained right ankle.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 23, 2022

It’s a huge blow for the Celtics, who are trying to even the series after losing Game 3 at home. Smart also missed Game 1 of the series, then played heavy minutes in Games 2 and 3.

He racked up 24 points, 12 assists, nine rebounds and three steals in Boston’s 127-102 Game 2 victory while playing 40 minutes. He fouled out after 37 minutes in Game 3 while posting 16 points, seven assists, four rebounds and four turnovers in 37 minutes.

Center Robert Williams, who missed Game 3 with knee soreness, is listed as available to play by the team, according to Tim Bontemps of ESPN. Derrick White, Payton Pritchard and Aaron Nesmith will likely get increased court time in Smart’s absence. White will take Smart’s place in the lineup.

As reported earlier, Heat sixth man Tyler Herro is out with a groin injury. Miami's Jimmy Butler (right knee inflammation), Kyle Lowry (left hamstring strain), Max Strus (right hamstring strain), P.J. Tucker (left knee irritation) and Gabe Vincent (left hamstring strain) all intend to play after being listed as questionable.