It looks like the Boston Celtics will be without an important player for Saturday's road game against the Washington Wizards.
Celtics head coach Ime Udoka announced Friday afternoon that Marcus Smart won't travel with the team to Washington. It also was revealed that second-year forward Aaron Nesmith did not practice Friday but likely will travel for the upcoming game. Both players are dealing with a non-COVID related illness, per the team.
Forsberg: Tight rotations and spotty defense glaring in loss to Wizards
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The Celtics lost to the Wizards 116-107 on Wednesday night at TD Garden, dropping Boston's record to 2-3. Seven of the team's next 10 games are on the road.
Smart's absence should create a larger role for Dennis Schroder, as well as second-year point guard Payton Pritchard. Nesmith has been a non-factor for the C's in three appearances this season. He's played 27 minutes with zero points on 0-of-9 shooting.