Smart will start at point guard for Sunday's Game 3 against the Cavaliers, Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

Isaiah Thomas is dealing with a hip injury and has been ruled out for the rest of the postseason, which allows Smart to jump into the top unit in his place. In 24 starts during the regular season, Smart averaged 11.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists across 34.1 minutes and he's expected to again be relied upon for heavy minutes with Thomas out.

Smart grinded out 13 points (4-7 FG, 2-2 3Pt, 3-4 FT), six rebounds, four assists and two highlight quality blocks over 30 minutes in Monday's 115-105 Game 7 win over Washington.

EDGE Analysis

Smart's block of Otto Porter at the end of the second quarter sent Boston into halftime with some much deserved bravado. The wing's aggressiveness on both ends of the floor convinced coach Brad Stevens to stick with Smart despite some early foul trouble. Game 7 was easily Smart's best offensive effort of the series. Post game, coach Stevens praised Smart's multiple contributions, pointing out that Smart's positives far outweigh his usual poor shooting percentages. Smart will try to keep the positive momentum going on Wednesday during Game 1 at home versus Cleveland in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Smart aggressively collected nine points (3-7 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 1-4 FT), 11 rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block across 26 minutes during Wednesday's 123-101 Game 5 win over Washington.

EDGE Analysis

Smart was Boston's top rebounder. His ball hawking skills led to Boston outrebounding Washington 45-to-48, a rarity for the Celtics. While Smart's shot selection was at times questionable, his determined play frustrated Washington and aided a Celtics squad that seemed to win every 50-50 loose ball. Smart's two clutch treys also benefited a reserve unit that at times struggled to score.

Smart eked out nine points (2-9 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 4-5 FT), four rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block while committing an eye-popping eight turnovers over 25 minutes in Thursday's 116-89 Game 3 loss in Washington.

EDGE Analysis

The entire Celtic roster put up a dud in Game 3, but Smart's eight turnovers were particularly appalling. The game was a technical-foul filled blowout from start to finish. Despite logging heavy minutes for all three Round 2 playoff games, Smart has yet to score in double digits and is shooting a collective 7-for-21 versus the Wizards. Smart and the Celtics hope to turn things around during Sunday's Game 4 in Washington.

Smart churned out eight points (3-9 FG, 2-7 3Pt), eight assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block across 34 minutes in Wednesday's 108-97 Game 5 win over the Bulls.

EDGE Analysis

Smart's tough defense and passing skills have earned him essentially starter's minutes during the series with Chicago. He's averaging 5.4 assists per game this post season, highlighted by Wednesday's eight dimes. And he is bringing Memphis-style grindhouse grit to a Boston squad with limited playoff experience. His battles with Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade are reminiscent of Tony Allen's early days with the Celtics. Boston can tolerate his poor shooting as long as his rugged defense and strong passing continue.

Smart fought for five points (2-7 FG, 1-2 3Pt), eight rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block from 33 clutch minutes in Sunday's 104-195 Game 4 win in Chicago.

EDGE Analysis

Smart thrusted his usual grit and risky ball hawking defensive skills right at the Bulls, at one point angering Bulls star Jimmy Butler. Smart's contributions tend to fall outside of the box score; he's generally more valuable to the Celtics than he is to your fantasy lineup. Look for more big minutes off the bench for Smart as the Celtics return home Wednesday for a critical Game 5.

Smart posted 13 points (6-11 FG, 1-4 3Pt), eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks from 27 minutes in Tuesday's 111-97 Game 2 loss to the Bulls.

EDGE Analysis

Smart and fellow reserve Terry Rozier offered the only resistance against a Chicago onslaught that has Boston facing an 0-2 deficit versus the eight seed Bulls. Smart's eight rebounds were second only to Al Horford's 11 boards, helping the C's come close to evening what was a large rebounding deficit in Game 1. Coach Brad Stevens seems to not trust rookie small forward Jaylen Brown versus Chicago's veterans, creating more minutes for Smart. Expect another heavy dose of minutes for Smart in Friday's Game 3 match-up in Chicago.

Smart provided nine points (3-9 FG, 3-7 3Pt), six assists, two rebounds and one steal across 31 minutes in Sunday's Game 1 106-102 loss to the Bulls.

EDGE Analysis

Smart's contributions were unable to prevent the Bulls bench from outscoring Boston's reserves 35 to 22. Smart's late game turnover helped sealed the win for Chicago, when the guard's outlet pass to Jae Crowder bounced off Crowder's shoulder with under a minute remaining. The C's hope to turn the series around Tuesday night at home versus the Bulls.

Smart produced an efficient 18 points (6-11 FG, 5-9 3Pt, 1-2 FT), seven assists, three rebounds and one block across 21 minutes in Sunday's 123-107 loss to the Nuggets.

EDGE Analysis

It was a rare strong shooting night for Smart, who had been draining only 26 percent from the field heading into last night's match in Atlanta. The feisty wing once again proved his defense prowess by gather six swipes and two blocks versus the Hawks. Smart was by far the Celtics biggest contributor off the bench and looks to continue his success Saturday at Charlotte.

Smart scored just four points (1-8 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 1-2 FT) while adding four assists and two rebounds over 25 minutes in Wednesday's 114-91 loss against the Cavaliers.

EDGE Analysis

It was all hands on deck in the battle for the top spot in the Eastern Conference, but Smart and his teammates really struggled against the defending champs. Smart has shot just 26.0 percent (26-of-100) from the floor over his past 10 outings.