Celtics injuries Marcus Smart against Raptors Jan 21, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) controls the ball as Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43) defends during the second quarter at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Celtics came into Saturday’s game against the Toronto Raptors with the best record in the NBA, but some significant injuries to key players Marcus Smart and Robert Williams may put a huge snag in their terrific season.

Both injuries occurred in the second quarter of Saturday’s game, with Smart going down to a concerning-looking lower leg injury, instantly grabbing his right ankle. He needed help as he was walking off the court and was visibly in pain when he put any weight on the ankle.

Williams suffered a knee injury earlier in the quarter and was instantly taken out of the game. Neither player returned in the second half, and Smart was ultimately diagnosed with a sprained right ankle, while Williams was diagnosed with a left knee hyperextension.

 

Luckily a positive update was given on both players following the game, with Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla detailing that neither injury appears to be all that serious.

“Rob hyperextended his knee. It is nothing serious, just obviously taking precautions, he felt good coming off the court. Smart obviously sprained his ankle, the x-rays were negative. It will just be a matter of how he is able to cope with it,” said Mazzulla via NBC Sports Boston on Twitter.

All things considered, this is likely the best-case scenario for Boston on both players considering the severity of how the injuries looked in real-time.

[NBA on ESPN on Twitter, NBC Sports Boston on Twitter]

About Reice Shipley

Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.