Smart doesn't think bruised ribs will keep him out of Game 3

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ATLANTA – Another playoff game, another Boston Celtic is hurt.

Celtics guard Marcus Smart suffered a bruised rib injury in Tuesday’s 89-72 Game 2 loss to the Atlanta Hawks.

The 6-foot-4 guard said he will undergo additional tests when the team returns to Boston, but doesn’t appear to be overly concerned that it will force him to miss any games.

“I doubt there’s a chance I won’t play,” Smart said. “As of right now I will be playing in Game 3.”

Following the game, Smart received treatments from the team’s medical staff but said afterwards that he was still having some pain.

Smart said the injury occurred when he took a shot from Atlanta’s Kent Bazemore.

“I went up straight to block a shot,” Smart said. “I just remember it felt like I got hit by a boxer with a body shot. I just went to the ground. Bazemore’s knee just hit me in the right spot.”

Smart added, “It hurts a little bit but not too much. That’s why I think I’ll be playing in Game 3.”

Even if he is able to play, it remains to be seen if he’ll be at the top of his game health-wise for a Celtics team that’s already trying to get by with key players at less than their best.

Jae Crowder’s high ankle sprain is still requiring him to receive twice-a-day treatments, but even with those it’s clear that the injury is affecting his play at both ends of the floor.

Avery Bradley (right hamstring) is likely out for the rest of the series and Kelly Olynyk (right shoulder) did not play in Game 2 and his status is very much up in the air going forward.

And now there’s Smart whose health to some degree is questionable heading into a pivotal, must-win Game 3 matchup at the TD Garden on Friday.

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