Coach Brad Stevens said Friday that Smart will see an uptick in minutes over the next few games.

EDGE Analysis

Smart has played just 11 and 13 minutes in his first two outings of the season after being sidelined with a lower left leg injury, although his playing time in his most recent outing Wednesday was curtailed because he missed morning shootaround due to a flat tire. Nevertheless, Smart will still be limited off the bench in the near future since he's likely still on a minutes restriction which could keep him under the 25-minute mark.

Smart was benched for most of the first half of Wednesday night's game after missing shootaround, ESPN's Chris Forsberg reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smart played a total of only 11 minutes, posting four points, two rebounds and one assist. Coach Stevens said Smart had a flat tire on his way to TD Garden. Expect Smart to eventually return to roughly 26 minutes per game as he continues to work his way back from his left leg injury.

Smart, who returned to action Sunday after an 18-game absence due to a lower left leg injury, will continue to see restricted minutes for the time being, Jay King of MassLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

All signs point to Smart coming off the bench again on Wednesday when the Celtics host the Lakers, although he'll likely see a slight increase in playing time after logging 13 minutes in his return Sunday. Isaiah Thomas and Avery Bradley will continue to lead the Celtics' backcourt while Smart eases his way back to full health.

Smart (leg) posted six points (2-6 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 1-1 FT), three rebounds, and one assist in 13 minutes during the Celtics' 100-91 win versus the Knicks on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Smart missed more than a month with a lower leg injury, and finally made his return to action on Sunday versus the Knicks. He might continue coming off the bench for the next few games while he gets his conditioning and timing back together, but the defensive-minded point guard is the youngest of the Celtics' top guards, and there is a considerable chance Smart will be starting again in no time.

Smart (leg) will play off the bench Sunday against the Knicks, MassLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smart will suit up Sunday after missing the last 18 games, but he will come off the bench and be on a minutes limit. It will likely take him a few games before he is back at full speed, but he could be back in the starting lineup sooner.

Smart (leg) is expected to be active for Sunday's game against the Knicks, but will play limited minutes, Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

Coach Brad Stevens went on to say they would throw him into the action in "short stints", so Smart isn't expected to play much despite making his return to the court. With Smart back in the rotation, it could cut a few minutes from both Avery Bradley and Isaiah Thomas. Look for Smart's minutes to slowly increase as he moves further away from his injury.

Smart (leg) could return as early as Sunday night against the Knicks, per Celtics coach Brad Stevens.

EDGE Analysis

Obviously take that possibility with a large grain of salt, as that is probably the best case scenario for a player who has spent more than a month recovering. A more realistic return date would be Wednesday against the Lakers or next Saturday against the Nets.

Smart (leg) has been cleared for 1-on-1 and 2-on-2 work, and coach Brad Stevens said he hopes Smart will be able to play 5-on-5 next week, Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Celtics continue to progress Smart along slowly, and it now appears as though his return will come some time in January, rather than late-December. The Oklahoma State product has not played since Nov. 20, and a firmer timetable likely won't be available until he's cleared for full-contact, 5-on-5 work.

Smart (leg) will travel with the team for Wednesday's game against Charlotte but will not play.

EDGE Analysis

According to the Celtics' official twitter account, the team will continue to bring Smart along slowly and limit him to light participation in shootarounds. Smart is expected to return late December or early January, but there won't be a clear return date until he begins going through full practices. His next chance to play will be Saturday against Detroit.

Coach Brad Stevens suggested that Smart (lower leg) will likely come off the bench when he returns in late December or early January, ESPN Boston's Chris Forsberg reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smart resumed basketball activities last week, and should continue to increase his involvement in practices over the next several days. The second-year guard has missed the last 15 games, which has allowed Avery Bradley and Isaiah Thomas to pick up more minutes as the starting backcourt. While Smart figures to cut into the minutes of both players upon his return, it looks as though he'll take a slight backseat in his role, at least initially.