Smart will be starting at shooting guard in place of the injured Jaylen Brown (Achilles) for Thursday's game against the Knicks, Brian Robb of BostonSportsJournal.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smart has started in six games this season. In those contests, he's averaged 10.0 points, 5.8 assists and 3.7 rebounds across 33.1 minutes.

Smart posted 15 points (5-12 FG, 5-9 3Pt), six rebounds, four assists and one steal across 37 minutes in Wednesday's ugly 90-89 loss to the Heat.

EDGE Analysis

All of Smart's makes were from behind the arc. Smart and Kyrie Irving were the lone bright spots for an ineffective Boston offense that shot only 37.5% from the field. Undermanned Miami surprised Boston with an effective zone defense throughout the game. The poor shooting Smart is on a mini-run, shooting 54 percent over his last three games. Boston hopes to turn things around tonight at home versus the Knicks.

Smart mustered 15 points (5-6 FG, 4-4 3Pt, 1-2 FT), five assists, four rebounds, one steal and seven turnovers across 28 minutes in Monday's 112-111 win over the Pacers.

EDGE Analysis

Smart was red hot from behind the arc, but very sloppy with the ball, committing a season-high seven turnovers. Ball security has recently been an issue for Smart, who over the past nine games has averaged 3.8 TO's per game. Last season, Smart averaged only 2 turnovers per game. Still, the Celtics rely on the mercurial Smart as their first spark off the bench. Smart also trails only Al Horford as the team leader in assists with 5.2 dimes per game.

Smart, with Al Horford (rest) returning to the starting five, will head back to the bench for Friday's game against the Jazz, Celtics' play-by-play analyst Sean Grande reports.

EDGE Analysis

The shift shouldn't make too much of a difference for Smart considering he's averaging 30.4 minutes per game this season. Over the past five games, he's averaged 7.0 points and 4.4 assists.

Smart posted 13 points (5-12 FG, 3-6 3Pt), four assists and two rebounds from 31 minutes during a rare start in Monday's 108-85 loss in Chicago.

EDGE Analysis

Smart's stat line was a tad disappointing considering the 31 minutes of run. In general, most Celtics under performed during the surprise blow out loss. Kyrie Irving's quad injury led to Smart getting the rare start. But starting for Boston doesn't really change Smart's role -- he's been averaging 30 minutes per game during the 22 games he's come off the bench. Irving is expected to return for Wednesday's match-up in Denver, so Smart will probably return to his first-off-the bench role.

Smart will start at point guard for Monday's game against the Bulls, Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Celtics are set to be without Kyrie Irving (quad) on Monday, which allows Smart the opportunity to pick up the start in his place. That said, Smart was already averaging 30.2 minutes off the bench, so he'll likely only pick up a few extra minutes with the promotion. Along with Smart, look for Terry Rozier and Shane Larkin to pick up some more playing time in the backcourt.

Smart will come off the bench Friday against the Spurs.

EDGE Analysis

Jaylen Brown is good to go after missing Wednesday's game against the Mavericks due to inflammation in his right eye, so Smart will return to his regular bench role. He's averaging 9.4 points, 5.4 assists and 4.1 rebounds across 30.8 minutes per game so far this season.

Smart eked out two points (1-5 FG, 0-1 3Pt), four assists, one rebound and four turnovers across 34 minutes in Wednesday's 97-90 win over the Mavericks.

EDGE Analysis

If only Smart could shoot, he'd be an all-star. Last night's one for five performance highlights Smart's 35% career field goal shooting percentage. In this, Smart's fourth season, he's shooting only 31.7% through 24 games. Smart is still leading the team in assists (tied with Al Horford) and his game-changing defense is a vital piece of Boston's winning formula. But Smart's fantasy value will always be hindered by his poor shooting. Last night was Smart's fourth start of the season. Jaylen Brown (eye) and Marcus Morris (knee) are both traveling with the team to San Antonio, though it's not yet known whether either will play in Friday's contest versus the Spurs.

Smart will draw the start at shooting guard for Wednesday's game against the Mavericks due to Jaylen Brown (eye) being sidelined, Celtics play-by-play analyst Sean Grande reports.

EDGE Analysis

Though Smart has been coming off the pine, he's still seeing 30.7 minutes per game this season and averaging 9.7 points, 5.4 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals. So, while he may see an increase in usage with Brown gone, it's possible he doesn't see much more time on the court than usual.

Smart played stellar defense and put up eight points (3-8 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 1-2 FT), a team-leading seven assists, four rebounds and one steal over 30 minutes in Monday's 111-100 win over the Bucks.

EDGE Analysis

Smart's tight defense and slick passing kept him on the floor longer than starters Jaylen Brown and Aron Baynes. In his fourth season, Smart is proving he can alter the final outcome without scoring many points. Smart's shooting woes are well documented (36.6% career shooting percentage), but he currently is leading the team in assists (5.4 per game) and is second in steals (1.2 per game). His defensive prowess off the bench is delivering a huge mid-game boost to a Celtics squad with the best record in The Association.