Smart had 20 points (8-13 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 2-4 FT), eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 39 minutes during the Celtics' 118-113 overtime loss against the Mavericks on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Smart is churning out 10.8 points on 40 percent shooting to go with 7.2 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.6 blocks across 30 minutes per appearance over the Celtics' last five games. Though the 21-year-old guard is coming off the bench, he is still earning ample playing time, and is starting to put up some impressive numbers as well. Smart has missed half of his team's games, but so long as he remains healthy going forward, he stands to have plenty of opportunities to post gaudy stat totals the rest of the year.

Smart scored seven points (3-7 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 1-2 FT) to go with four rebounds, three assists, and one steal across 24 minutes in Monday's 103-94 win over the Celtics.

EDGE Analysis

After averaging just 12 minutes in his first two games back from a lower leg injury, Smart has seen his playing time doubled in the subsequent two contests. While he hasn't posted strong fantasy production in either of his last two contests, Smart was a bulldog defensively Monday night, which has been his calling card during his brief time in the NBA. Avery Bradley (hip) was sidelined Monday and is expected to miss at least the next two games, so Smart could be called upon for more extensive court time, though it appears coach Brad Stevens is content to roll with Evan Turner as Bradley's replacement in the starting five.

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.