Marcus Smart reveals nature of nagging shoulder injury

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If you've noticed Marcus Smart has been favoring one shoulder or wondered why he's been wearing a sleeved shirt under his jersey, the Boston Celtics guard has your answer.

Smart offered more detail Wednesday on the shoulder injury he initially suffered in a Dec. 27 loss to the Indiana Pacers, revealing that he's been dealing with a pinched nerve that he's occasionally re-aggravated throughout the season.

Fortunately, the pinched nerve is in Smart's left (non-shooting) shoulder, and he's only missed one game this season while still playing at a high level. The 26-year-old is on pace for career highs in points (13.6) and assists (6.2) per game and is shooting 39.8% from the floor, up from 37.5% last season.

Smart clearly hasn't lost his confidence, either. In response to critics who question his shot selection, the longest-tenured Celtic replied, "I know I get s--- a lot, but who cares," via John Karalis of Locked On Celtics.

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The Celtics have leaned more heavily on Smart in the absence of Kemba Walker, who didn't make his season debut until Jan. 17 while rehabbing his left knee.

But Boston's core is finally intact, as Smart, Walker, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are expected to play together for the first time this season in Wednesday's game against the Spurs. Tip-off in San Antonio is set for 8:30 p.m. ET, with coverage on NBC Sports Boston beginning at 7:30 p.m.

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