Smart will come off the bench Wednesday against the Rockets.

EDGE Analysis

With Avery Bradley still out, the Celtics will go with Isaiah Thomas and Jaylen Brown in the backcourt in a move aimed at combating the Rockets' combination of Patrick Beverley and James Harden. Coach Brad Stevens noted that the shift to the bench is not a punishment for Smart, who engaged in an argument with an assistant coach late in Tuesday's loss to the Wizards. The Celtics will also make a change up front Wednesday, with Jonas Jerebko entering the starting five in place of Amir Johnson.

Smart scored 17 points (5-15 FG, 1-7 3Pt, 6-6 FT) while adding six rebounds, six assists and two steals in 41 minutes during Saturday's 127-123 overtime loss to the Trail Blazers.

EDGE Analysis

He's scored just 24 points total over his previous four games while apparently playing through an ankle issue, but Smart appeared to be 100 percent Saturday, although he continued to struggle with his shot. The 22-year-old is making a big impact on the defensive end, however, reeling off four straight games with multiple steals and averaging 2.0 steals in nine January contests.

Smart is considered probable for Saturday's matchup against the Trailblazers due to an ankle injury, A. Sherrod Blakely of Comcast SportsNet North East reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's unclear when Smart suffered his ankle injury but it isn't thought to be serious. Despite his injury, Smart is expected to start in place of Avery Bradley (achilles) once again. If Smart is limited at all by his injury, Gerald Green or Terry Rozier could see a couple extra minutes off the bench.

Smart started at shooting guard, and scored just four points (1-6 FG, 2-2 FT) along with five assists, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks in 31 minutes during a 117-106 loss to New York.

EDGE Analysis

Smart had an abysmal return to the starting lineup. With Avery Bradley (Achilles) out, Smart had a golden opportunity to show offensive improvement over his freshman season, perhaps giving the Boston coaching staff a glimpse of his bright future. But Smart stunk up the field and couldn't get to the line despite being ignored by New York's defense for most of the night. It appears Bradley's starting lineup is his when he returns, no matter how rusty he is.

Smart will start at shooting guard for Wednesday's tilt with the Knicks, Scott Souza of GateHouse Media reports.

EDGE Analysis

Avery Bradley was a late scratch because of soreness in his Achilles, which allows Smart to jump back into the starting lineup. Prior to Monday's game against the Hornets, Smart had started four straight games for the ailing Bradley, averaging 14.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2.5 steals over 35.8 minutes.

Smart will return to the bench for Monday's game against the Hornets, Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smart has started the last few games at shooting guard with Avery Bradley sitting out with an Achilles injury. However, Bradley is going to play through his injury and will rejoin the starting lineup Monday, which pushes Smart back into a bench role. Smart has logged 36 minutes or more in each of his last three contests, but should drop to around 30 with Bradley back from his injury.

Smart scored nine points (2-13 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 4-6 FT) and added four steals, four assists and two rebounds in 37 minutes Friday during a 103-101 win over Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

Smart struggled from the field against the Hawks, but played his signature brand of bulldog defense. Smart was, as he always is, pressed right up under his man's nose. He has eight steals in his last three games and is now averaging 1.4 thefts per game on the season. He might have a tough time generating turnovers Monday against Charlotte, however. The Hornets are giving away just 12 turnovers a game, tied for fewest in the league.

Smart put up 16 points (6-11 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 3-3 FT), five assists, four rebounds, four steals and one block across 38 minutes in a 114-106 loss to the Raptors on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Smart was making his second straight start at shooting guard in place of Avery Bradley (Achilles) and delivered another strong shooting night, which is typically a rarity for the third-year player. He's gone a collective 13-of-21 from the field and 6-of-9 from three-point range over those two contest, but is still sitting at 37.9 percent and 31.5 percent, respectively, for the season. It's probably unwise to bank on Smart to continue scoring at this level, though he should at least have a chance to deliver ample production in assists and the defensive categories Wednesday against the Wizards, as Bradley is expected to remain sidelined for that contest.

Smart scored 22 points (7-10 FG, 5-7 3Pt, 3-3 FT) while adding six assists, five rebounds, two steals and a block in 32 minutes during Saturday's 117-108 win over the Pelicans.

EDGE Analysis

With Avery Bradley (Achilles) sidelined, Smart stepped into the starting lineup and produced a very Bradley-like line in the box score, posting season highs in points and three-pointers. Bradley's injury isn't considered serious, but Smart should be very productive as long as he remains in the Celtics' starting five.

Smart will get the start Saturday against the Pelicans in place of Avery Bradley (Achilles), Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Celtics will hold Bradley out Saturday due to a strained Achilles, opening the door for Smart to enter the lineup at shooting guard. While Smart, who had 14 points and eight assists in Friday's win over Philadelphia, will likely pick up a few extra minutes, he's already been playing close to 30 minutes per night, so players like Terry Rozier and Gerald Green could also see bumps in playing time.