Marcus Smart ruled out of Sunday's game with ankle injury

Smart suffered the injury in Friday's loss to the Cavaliers

Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart has been ruled out of Sunday's game against the New York Knicks due to a sprained right ankle, the team announced Saturday. Smart suffered the injury in Friday's 114-96 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, and he did not return to the game after halftime.

Smart is averaging 11.7 points, 7.1 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game this season

Smart is one of the Celtics' most important players, and his absence will be a big blow to the team. He is a key part of Boston's defense, and he is also a valuable contributor on offense. Smart is averaging 11.7 points, 7.1 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game this season.

The Celtics will likely start Derrick White in Smart's place on Sunday

The Celtics will likely start Derrick White in Smart's place on Sunday. White has been filling in for Smart in recent games, and he has played well. White is averaging 12.5 points, 4.3 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game this season.

Smart's injury is not expected to be long-term

Smart's injury is not expected to be long-term, but it is still a significant loss for the Celtics. The team is already without Jaylen Brown, who is out with a facial fracture. The Celtics are hoping to get Smart back as soon as possible, but they will not rush him back from injury.

The Celtics are currently 35-28 and in fifth place in the Eastern Conference. They are just one game behind the fourth-place Brooklyn Nets and two games behind the third-place Milwaukee Bucks.