The Boston Celtics’ guard Marcus Smart and center Tyler Zeller were both hospitalized Sunday due to separate issues. Marcus Smart was reportedly suffering complications from a stomach bug(gastroenteritis) that resulted in his need to be seen. Tyler Zeller was checked in with an ear infection and sinusitis. Celtics’ coach Brad Stevens told reporters that he knew that Zeller was not feeling well on Sunday before being hospitalized and that he hopes both players can make a full, healthy return to the team soon. Both players were released on Monday and are TBD for tonights game against the Utah Jazz.
This wasn’t the first time that a Celtics’ player complained about a sickness lately, as both Avery Bradley and Jae Crowder recently felt the same effects of the bug, that left Smart hospitalized. Bradley missed a game versus the Miami Heat last week and Crowder almost missed the team’s Christmas game against the New York Knicks due to an illness. Players aren’t the only members of the Celtics’ organization to feel the wrath of the stomach bug going around. Staff members and assistant coach Jay Larranaga, who missed two games due to illness, have not been lucky enough to dodge the sickness that spread throughout the organization.
Smart has been playing well off the bench for Boston this year. Clocking around 30 minutes per game, Smart’s averaging 9.5 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.3 assists. Zeller on the other hand, hasn’t seen much playing time this year. He’s averaging around 12 minutes a game, and he’s averaging a career low in almost every statistical category. His last double digit scoring performance came back in November. Returning to the team with a clean bill of health, the Celtics’ can only hope his output will help improve their already impressive bench play this season.
