Smart had 19 points (5-11 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 5-6 FT), three rebounds, two assists and two steals in Wednesday's loss to the Cavaliers.

EDGE Analysis

While the Celtics took a tough loss to one of the league's bottom-feeders, it was encouraging to see Smart back in the starting lineup with Kemba Walker resting. Walker should be back for Friday's game against the Kings, so it will be interesting to note whether Smart remains in the lineup or shifts back to the bench, where he played his first three games post-injury. Prior to his month-long absence, Smart started his first 17 appearances of the season.

Smart will start Wednesday's game at Cleveland.

EDGE Analysis

The 27-year-old will make his first start since returning from the calf injury with Kemba Walker (rest) sitting out Wednesday. Smart is averaging 9.7 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 21.7 minutes in three contests since coming back from the injury.

Smart will be available for Wednesday's game at Cleveland.

EDGE Analysis

The news here is that Smart is not on the Celtics' injury report for the second half of a back-to-back set, so while his workload may remain limited, it's a positive sign that he won't be held out altogether. With Kemba Walker (rest) sidelined, it's possible Smart could return to the starting five for the first time since Jan. 30 -- his final game before missing 18 contests with a calf injury.

Smart registered five points (2-10 FG, 1-6 3Pt), four rebounds, one assist and one steal in 24 minutes during Tuesday's 117-109 loss to the Jazz.

EDGE Analysis

Smart endured one of his worst shooting nights of the season tonight, but he still managed to provide a useful fantasy line. After averaging 19.7 minutes in his first two games back from a calf injury that sidelined him for 18 games, Smart saw his minutes increase to 24. Coach Brad Stevens said Smart will return to the starting lineup once his minutes restriction is lifted, so the uptick in minutes tonight is a promising sign towards that happening soon.

Smart posted five points (2-3 FG, 1-2 3Pt) and three assists in 18 minutes during Sunday's win against the Rockets.

EDGE Analysis

The 27-year-old was still on a minutes restriction in only his second game back from a calf injury. Smart wasn't asked to do much in the lopsided victory, but that should change when Boston plays Utah on Tuesday. Brad Stevens says he will return to the starting lineup once his minutes restriction is lifted, which should be any day now. Once he gets his starting job back, he should go back to being a consistent producer in points, three-pointers, assists and steals.

Smart (calf) supplied 19 points (4-6 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 8-9 FT), two rebounds, two assists and one block across 21 minutes Thursday in the Celtics' 121-109 loss to the Nets.

EDGE Analysis

Though he came off the bench and was on a minutes restriction in his first game since Jan. 30, Smart finished second on the team in scoring, with his 19 points trailing only Jayson Tatum's 31. The tough-minded guard will likely be restricted for another game or two, but he'll eventually return to a high-minute role as the team's best on-ball defender and distributor.

Smart will come off the bench and be limited to 20-22 minutes for Thursday's game against the Nets.

EDGE Analysis

Coach Brad Stevens will keep Smart out of the starting five for his first game since Jan. 30. His playing time will also be limited, so fantasy managers should temper expectations for the guard's first game back.

Smart will be limited to 20-22 minutes during Thursday's game against the Nets, John Caralis of Boston Sports Journal reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smart is making his return from a calf injury that cost him 18 straight games from Feb. 2 onward. The team will understandably be cautious with Smart, who is a key piece of the team. In 32.2 minutes per game this season, Smart has averaged 13.1 points, 6.1 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals.

Smart is not on the injury report ahead of Thursday's game against Brooklyn.

EDGE Analysis

Earlier Wednesday, Smart indicated that he plans to make his return from a calf injury Thursday night, and his removal from the injury report essentially seals the deal. It will be Smart's first appearance since Jan. 30, ending a string of 18 consecutive absences. Prior to the injury, Smart had been averaging 13.6 points, 6.0 assists, 2.8 rebounds, 1.8 steals, 0.5 blocks and 1.8 made threes across 16 appearances. Given the long layoff, he could be eased back into action, but the fiery guard figures to be back up to full speed in short order.

Smart (calf) said that he felt great after practice Wednesday and expects to play Thursday against the Nets, Jay King of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smart initially wasn't expected to return for the Celtics' first game after the All-Star break, but he now appears likely to play following his successful practice Wednesday. The 25-year-old said that he hadn't played 5-on-5 prior to Wednesday's practice, and he'll have a minutes restriction against Brooklyn on Thursday if he's ultimately able to return, Brian Robb of The Springfield Republican reports.