Marcus Smart. (Harry How/Getty Images)
BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- Celtics will return from the All-Star Break tonight in Detroit, and Marcus Smart's slated to return from his 11-game self-inflicted absence.
You'll remember the guard lacerated his hand on a picture frame in a Los Angeles hotel a month ago.
At any rate, Smart's back now, and coach Brad Stevens and teammate Jaylen Brown know the energetic defender's important to Boston's success.
"He's a guy that gives you a little bit more switch ability than maybe a typical guard because of his strength," Stevens said.
"Marcus is one of our defensive specialists," Brown said. "So when it comes to guarding some of these signature players that can really get it going, we have another guy to slow them down. Everybody knows what Marcus brings to the table, it speaks for itself--his energy, his effort, hustle plays."
Smart has the best player defensive rating in the N-B-A this season.
Tip-off tonight at 7 p.m. Hear more from Stevens below.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Adam Kaufman reports