The Celtics won’t get time to rest after a playoff-like matchup as they welcome back Marcus Smart to TD Garden.
Boston held off Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks on Friday night to complete the season series sweep over Milwaukee. The win was the first night of a back-to-back set where the C’s will face the Memphis Grizzlies.
Jayson Tatum offered an emotional response to Smart’s return to Boston. The 30-year-old didn’t play in last season’s matchup due to injury, but he knows very well how feisty Saturday’s matchup could be.
“I’m sure they see how good I’ve been playing, and they’re going to try to make sure I don’t come in there and have a great game,” Smart said, per Damichael Cole of Memphis Commercial Appeal. “It’s a big test for us.”
Smart dealt with an ankle injury heading into Saturday, but he is expected to play against the Celtics. The 11th-year guard adjusted to a new role under head coach Taylor Jenkins. And while his numbers haven’t been flashy to start the season, Green Teamers know well of Smart’s impact outside of the box score.
It could be a memorable night for Smart to face his former team at TD Garden for the first time since last year’s trade. And the Grizzlies will be motivated to end Tatum’s 13-0 run against them, too.
