Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart will play in the Rising Stars Challenge in Toronto on Feb. 12.

(Nathan Denette / The Canadian Press via AP)

BOSTON — For perhaps the first time in his life, Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart said he isn’t planning to play a basketball game at 100 miles per hour.

Smart, who was named to the Rising Stars Challenge at All-Star Weekend, was asked before the Boston Celtics matchup with the Denver Nuggets whether he planned to dive on the floor and take charges.

“Not many,” the guard grinned in response.

Whether you agree with Smart or not, it’s probably better if he doesn’t hit the deck too hard. Only 25 of Boston’s first 47 games this season have seen Smart play, and the Celtics would rather that he stop missing time.

In his own mind, Smart believed that his 22 missed games would prevent him from taking part in the exhibition.

“I thought I missed just as many games as I did this year, last year,” he stated. “I didn’t get chosen last year, so I figured the same thing was going to happen this year.”

Nevertheless, Smart expressed his gratitude for the choice.

“It’s a boon,” he declared. “It’s something you accept, and I thank God for giving me the ability to do it. I’m happy, and my teammates have been happy for me. They have been congratulating me and everything.”

This year’s Rising Stars Challenge will pit a group of USA players players against a World Team squad made up of international players. Smart, obviously, will play for the USA Team — a squad that includes Jordan Clarkson, Rodney Hood, Zach LaVine, Nerlens Noel, Jahlil Okafor, Jabari Parker, Elfrid Payton, D’Angelo Russell, and Karl-Anthony Towns. Of all those players, only Smart is on a team with a winning record — the next closest is Payton’s Orlando Magic, who are 20-24.