Celtics’ Marcus Smart, Rob Williams and Aaron Nesmith out for Wednesday’s game against Hornets

Marcus Smart

Boston Celtics' Marcus Smart (36) plays against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)AP

Marcus Smart is just a few days away from making his return, but he won’t suit up for the 7:30 p.m. Wednesday game against the Hornets. Smart was downgraded from questionable to out because of return to competition reconditioning. That does mean he’s no longer in health and safety protocols.

The Celtics also listed Aaron Nesmith, who didn’t practice Tuesday, as out because of a right ankle sprain. Rob Williams was a late scratch because of personal reasons, missing his second straight game. Williams welcomed the birth of a new son Monday, which led to him missing the win over the Pelicans. While Boston coach Ime Udoka said Williams was hoping to play against the Hornets, that won’t be the case.

Smart hasn’t played since the Dec. 10 overtime win over the Pacers, when he suffered a right thigh contusion. He missed the next game because of the injury. That’s when Smart was put into the protocols as he’s sat out the past four games.

The Celtics have missed their starting point guard in the meantime, relying on Dennis Schröder, who’s featured some up-and-down play.

Nesmith provided a spark the last time he played, suiting up for large portions of the second half in the win over the Pelicans. The Celtics were in comeback mode and needed some juice, which is where Nesmith stepped up. He was plus-17 in his 15 minutes as the Celtics overcame New Orleans.

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