Marcus Smart cleared to play, will be game-time decision for Game 5

WALTHAM -- Marcus Smart has been cleared by his doctor for contact and could return to the floor at the TD Garden for Game 5 Tuesday night between the Celtics and Bucks.

Smart has missed the last five weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a torn tendon in his right thumb. He was cleared for shooting at the start of the postseason, and was evaluated again by his doctor in New York City on Monday, who cleared him for contact.

"Marcus felt great over the weekend," Brad Stevens said Tuesday morning in Waltham. "Actually flew yesterday, got reevaluated yesterday. He still has to go through some things later (Tuesday) after our shootaround, and then we’ll see how he feels after that. If he feels good, then he’s been cleared physically to go."

While his Celtics teammates are optimistic that he'll be able to play, the team will be cautious if he feels soreness after some physical action tonight.

"I think he’s playing," Terry Rozier said with a smile. "You didn’t hear it from me."

"One thing is he hasn’t played in a month and a half," Stevens said. "So this is an opportunity to come in and do what he does best, and that (is) impact the game with his energy, his physicality, his savvy and his skill.

"He’s really excited to play. But at the same time, we’ll see how he feels. Again, if he’s got any lingering effects at all after going a two-on-two or a three-on-three here in an hour or so, then we won’t play him."

Al Horford and Rozier are both eager to see one of their top defensive weapons back on the floor on a team that has struggled to contain the Bucks offensive attack all series long.

“It helps a lot," Horford explained. "He’s a huge part of our team. And obviously, we’ve been able to deal without him. But having him back just makes us that much more versatile. He can guard multiple positions, he knows the positions. So there’s no question about it that he helps us a lot.”

"I love when we play," Rozier added. "Like I said, he brings that toughness, he brings that edge, he has everybody on the same level wanting to play just how he plays, so that’s always helpful, and I’m excited if he’s playing tonight."

BSJ Analysis: There is sure to be plenty of rust for the point guard if he is back for Game 5 Tuesday, but Smart will have an immediate impact for Boston on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he gives the Celtics another weapon to throw at Khris Middleton, something this team desperately needs. The 6-foot-8 wing has wreaked havoc against a mix of Celtics defenders all series long. Smart has the toughness to stick with Middleton around screens and won't let himself get bodied in the post, despite his size disadvantage. He'll spend some time on the Bucks guards as well, but I'd bet he spends the majority of his time trying to make life miserable for Middleton, who has been far too comfortable and efficient in this series for Stevens' taste.

Managing the offense is where things will get interesting for Stevens. It's hard to envision Smart displacing Rozier in the starting lineup in his return, but having another ballhandler and passer in the fold will be crucial for the C's as they try to break down a Bucks defense with plenty of athleticism and rim protectors. Smart is a far better passer out of the pick-and-roll than Rozier, and should help create easier looks for his teammates instead of the frequent isolations we've seen throughout the past couple games.

However, there will be drawbacks with Smart on this end. His 3-point shooting struggles speak for themselves, and his high turnover rate (compared to Rozier) could lead to Bucks points in transition. He'll need to be sharp in this area to ensure that his impact is a positive one and that won't be easy after being sidelined for five weeks.

The biggest thing is his return finally gives Stevens some options. With the Bucks going with perimeter shooting at all five positions for big minutes, it's made Aron Baynes and Greg Monroe less playable. The C's finally have another appealing option off the bench besides Marcus Morris, Shane Larkin and Semi Ojeleye if they want to stay small. And that could be the answer for them to win this series. It will certainly give the Bucks a bit more to worry about down the road.