World News – USA – Marcus Smart, Jeff Teague both for Celtics v Toronto – The Boston Globe

TAMPA, Fla. a???? The Celtics were significantly understaffed against the Raptors on Monday night, with Point Guards Marcus Smart and Jeff Teague both out. Teague sprained his left ankle over the butts in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s win, and Smart has a sprained right thumb.

« [Smart] just had a scan on that thumb and it didn’t look bad at first, but we have to be smart because it does. « The one that was fixed a few years ago, » Coach Brad Stevens said.

In March 2018, Smart tore a ligament in his thumb to dive for a loose ball and eventually had surgery.

Teague was injured while taking a bad move in the fourth quarter of the 122-120 Detroit win. He immediately signaled Boston’s bank; The team called Timeout before Teague hobbled into the locker room. Stevens said he was day after day.

Striker Javonte Green is absent due to health and safety protocols. He’s missed four games in a row and Stevens said he won’t make it to the Celtics on Wednesday against the heat either. Green should be able to return against the Wizards at TD Garden on Friday.

Of course, the Celtics are still without point guard Kemba Walker (knee) and striker Romeo Langford (wrist), who haven’t played this season.

After Walker, Smart and Teague were all eliminated, Tremont Waters started at Point Guard in his sophomore year. Rookie point guard Payton Pritchard was in line for a bigger chance too.

The Raptors are playing in Tampa this season due to COVID-19-related travel restrictions in Canada. Before the NBA restarted in Orlando, the Raptors also held a mini training camp in Florida.

« It’s not ideal from a Toronto perspective » just because you don’t get a chance to play in front of your fans in your hometown. and at home? Stevens said. The bubble and being in Florida from the end of June, from their point of view, when they went to Fort Myers or Naples and then all the way through all of their Orlando, then they have to turn around and come back and leave their homes, would be really difficult. But that looks like it’s an amazing setup and it looks like they did it as well as they could. â ????

A small number of fans are allowed to play at the Amalie Arena, home of the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning.

« It’s pretty interesting that the first time we play in front of fans is down here in Florida in Tampa, » Stevens said.

Despite Walker’s absence and Gordon Hayward’s departure, Smart has been more cautious in his shot selection so far. Although his playing time has increased to 33. 1 minute per game this year from 32, his total shot attempts per game is down from 11. 4 to 9. 7, and his 3-point attempts have decreased from 6. 6 to 5. 6th. « He’s the only one on our team over five assists, » Stevens said. « So he’s trying to organize us, he’s trying to bring us to a place where everyone can be successful » . . . According to a report by Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, the NBA has notified teams of new guidelines for wearing masks for dressed players on the bench. Starting Tuesday, players are required to wear a face mask on the bench until their first entry into each half and are « strongly encouraged ». to do this when it is removed. Inactive players have to wear a mask for the entire game.

Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors, Marcus Smart, NBA, Jeff Teague, Jayson Tatum