Smart (hand) will not have a minutes restriction during Friday's contest against the Suns, Jay King of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Jared Weiss of The Athletic reports that coach Ime Udoka said Smart will play with the hand laceration that has sidelined him for two games and it will just be a matter of pain tolerance to determine how much he plays. The veteran point guard was cleared for game action after getting shots up Thursday, and it appears he will be full-go in his return to action. Jayson Tatum and Dennis Schroder are both still in protocols, so the Celtics will need everything they can get out of Smart.

Smart (hand) will be available for Friday's contest against the Suns, Tim Bontemps of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

After missing two games with a hand laceration, Smart will be back. With, notably, Jayson Tatum and Dennis Schroder still in protocols, Smart could take on increased usage. This month, he's averaging 10.6 points, 5.3 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.9 steals in 33.3 minutes.

Smart (hand) will not play during Wednesday's contest against the Clippers, Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran guard is in line to miss his second straight appearance as he continues to recover from a hand injury. Payton Pritchard shined in Boston's last outing with 24 points (8-22 FG, 5-14 3Pt, 3-3 FT), eight rebounds, six assists and one steal across 45 minutes. Expect the second-year pro out of Oregon to continue to see increased usage with Smart sidelined. The 27-year-old's next chance to return to Boston's lineup comes Friday against the Suns.

Smart (hand) is questionable for Wednesday's contest against the Clippers, Tim Bontemps of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smart suffered a laceration on his right hand during the Christmas Day contest against the Bucks and was sidelined for Monday's contest. If he's unable to return Wednesday, then Dennis Schroder and Josh Richardson -- who were both removed from COVID-19 protocols Tuesday -- will likely see additional playing time.

Smart (hand) won't play Monday against the Timberwolves, John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal reports.

EDGE Analysis

The laceration Smart suffered on his right hand Christmas Day against the Bucks affects his ability to grip the basketball, so he won't take the court Monday for the Celtics. Payton Pritchard and Brodric Thomas should see more run in the backcourt in his absence at Minnesota since Dennis Schroder and Josh Richardson are both in the COVID-19 protocols.

Smart is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Timberwolves due to a laceration on his right hand, Brian Robb of MassLive reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's unclear when, exactly, Smart picked up the injury, but his status will be worth monitoring over the next several hours. If he does sit out Monday, Romeo Langford and Payton Pritchard would likely be in line for significant jumps in minutes for the still-COVID-riddled Celtics.

Smart amassed 19 points (6-14 FG, 3-10 3Pt, 4-4 FT), two rebounds, seven assists and one steal over 40 minutes during Saturday's 117-113 loss to Milwaukee.

EDGE Analysis

Smart continues to be an up-and-down offensive player, and he came just three points shy of his season high Saturday. The performance also marked his fifth straight game with at least one steal.

Smart (hip) is available for Saturday's Christmas Day game versus the Bucks.

EDGE Analysis

Smart has been nursing a hip injury but will play through it Saturday. With Dennis Schroder (COVID-19 protocols) sidelined, he figures to see heavy minutes at point guard assuming he avoids any setbacks.

Smart is questionable for Saturday's game against the Bucks with a bruised left hip.

EDGE Analysis

Smart presumably picked up the injury Wednesday against Cleveland, when he struggled to four points (1-7 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 1-2 FT), two rebounds, four assists and three steals in 32 minutes. He should continue to start for Boston if cleared to play Saturday.

Smart eked out four points (1-7 FG, 1-4 FG, 1-2 FT), four assists, two rebounds and three steals over 32 minutes in Wednesday's 111-101 home win over the Cavaliers.

EDGE Analysis

Smart had an ugly shooting night, but still provided tough defense on a night when the Celtics went up big early and held on for the victory. There has been talk in Boston of the need for a true-point guard, and tonight's awkward line from Smart will only add fuel to that fire. Despite his rocky play, Smart stayed on the floor as Dennis Schroder shot an even poorer 1-of-11 from the floor.