The Boston Celtics will travel to San Francisco’s Chase Center to face the Warriors in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday.
Smart has been a key part of the Celtics second-half revival, particularly his defensive hustle, but has been battling an ankle complaint.
The Celtics point guard is averaging 5.9 assists with 1.7 steals per game this season, while he has contributed 12.1 points per game.
Smart wasn’t listed on the Celtics injury report ahead of Game 1, in a sign he’s almost certain to star the series.
“The ankle was a pretty serious injury,” Smart told reporters. “I’m thankful to be able to play, let alone still be walking.
“It hurt, but my mom always told me, if you are going to be on the court, you can’t make excuses. If you’re hurt, then sit your tail down. If I’m going to be out there, no matter how much pain I’m in, I can’t let it affect me.”
Williams has missed games due to knee soreness and is listed as questionable but said the injury is manageable.
“It’s manageable,” Williams said. “Kind of been getting in a routine the past couple games, what I have to go through to have myself ready to play.”
Warriors coach Steve Kerr said his trio were all questionable, with Payton out since Game 2of the Conference Semi-finals after breaking his elbow.
“I’ve still got some boxes to check,” Payton said on Tuesday. “Go day by day, you know, see what happens and hope for the best… I’m starting to feel normal. Still not me yet.”