Smart will start at point guard on opening night if Rajon Rondo (hand) is unable to play. Rondo is essentially a game-time call with opening night a week away, but if he's still hampered by his broken hand, the rookie will get the start. There's been some speculation that new addition Evan Turner could see some run at point guard, but it appears Brad Stevens will look to get Smart plenty of run early on. While he's unproven as a shooter, Smart is a relentless worker on both ends of the court and should produce solid rebounding and steals numbers for the position.

Smart scored 16 points (5-8 FG, 2-5 3P, 4-4 FT) with four assists and two steals in just 16 minutes during Wednesday's preseason win over the Nets. The Celtics emptied their bench in the second half, so Smart's limited court time wasn't due to an injury. Unless Rajon Rondo shows some big improvement over the next week, Smart should begin the season as the starting point guard, but his fantasy value in the short term will hinge in large part on whether he's able to be as efficient from the floor as he was in this one.

Smart should have a big role on the Celtics this season, MassLive.com's Jay King reports. "You're inevitably drawn to guys that do the right thing over and over and over," coach Brad Stevens said of Smart. Smart is on the short list of rookies with the best chance to make an immediate fantasy impact this season, based partly on Rajon Rondo's hand injury and the Celtics' likely emphasis on developing the younger players on the roster this season. He is worth drafting in the majority of formats, and should contribute in all the typical point guard categories.

Smart (groin) will play in Monday's preseason opener against the Sixers. Smart has been battling a groin injury of late and did not practice with the team Sunday. He's apparently feeling well enough to give it a go Monday and will start at point guard, joining Avery Bradley, Evan Turner, Jared Sullinger and Kelly Olynyk in the starting lineup.

Smart (groin) sat out Sunday's practice and remains questionable for Monday's preseason opener against Philadelphia. Smart is nursing a strained groin, but it does not appear to be overly serious, as he hasn't been ruled out for Monday's game. If he plays, Smart should see plenty of minutes at the point guard spot with Rajon Rondo (hand) out of action.

Smart is dealing with a strained groin and is questionable for Monday's preseason contest against the Sixers. The severity of the rookie's injury is unknown, but the fact that he's questionable for Monday's matchup seems to denote that it's not all too serious. However, there will be seven more preseason games to determine if Smart's injury will be troublesome for the regular season.

Smart will likely assume the starting point guard role throughout training camp, preseason and the first few weeks of the regular season with Rajon Rondo's (hand) recent injury. Smart was slated to be the backup to Rondo coming into the season, but with Rondo's 6-8 weeks recovery timetable meaning he'll likely miss the first three weeks of the regular season, Smart should assume the starting role alongside Avery Bradley. He makes a decent target in the late round of drafts, particularly if you need steals and assists, and can absorb a below average field goal percentage.

Marcus Smart, Doug McDermott, Victor Oladipo and Tobias Harris are among the invitees to the USA Basketball Select Team in Las Vegas. Smart hasn't played well to this point in his pro career and will get a chance to learn from some more experienced players. He's likely going to come of the bench and play both guard spots for the Celtics.

Marcus Smart, Doug McDermott, Victor Oladipo and Tobias Harris are among the invitees to the USA Basketball Select Team in Las Vegas. Smart hasn't played well to this point in his pro career and will get a chance to learn from some more experienced players. He's likely going to come of the bench and play both guard spots for the Celtics.

Marcus Smart had his best Summer League game against the Magic on Thursday, scoring 19 points, while dishing out five assists and grabbing three boards.Smart shot only 5-of-14 from the field, including 2-of-9 from beyond the arc, but he looked poised and confident raising up for jump shots, all while playing his usual tough defense. It is still too early to determine what kind of fantasy value he will have for next season, but his continual improvement is a good sign.