Marcus Smart (calf) expects to return against Nets on Thursday

Marcus Smart has been sidelined since Jan. 30 with a calf injury.

Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart told reporters on Wednesday that he expects to return to the floor against the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday (7:30 ET, TNT).

Smart, who has been sidelined since Jan. 30 with a left calf strain, played 5-on-5 with the Celtics during practice and said he’s feeling “really good.” Smart was initially expected to miss 2-3 weeks due to the injury.

The 27-year-old guard is averaging career-highs for points (13.1), assists (6.1) and minutes (32.3) over his first 17 games of the season.

The Celtics (19-17) are currently the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference.