WALTHAM — Facing a difficult five-game stretch against teams either slated for the playoffs or competing for a postseason spot, the Celtics received some encouraging news about the health of forward-center Kelly Olynyk.

Olynyk, who has missed nine games with a bruised right shoulder, returned to practice Monday and took some shots as the Celtics prepare for Wednesday’s matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies. Olynyk wouldn’t rule out returning against Memphis, but coach Brad Stevens said the team will wait to see how he shoulder feels Tuesday.

“We’ll see how Kelly feels,’’ Stevens said. “We didn’t do a whole lot. But he shot the ball. He seemed to feel more comfortable with extending his range as the day went on. So we’ll see.’’

“I’m going to see how it goes,’’ Olynyk said. “It’s a little sore. You just have to make sure you’re not at any risk.’’

Olynyk was playing the best basketball of his career before the Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan went for a pump fake and landed on Olynyk’s right shoulder Feb. 10. A few days later, Olynyk said he would probably be out three weeks or a month.

He’s feeling better than expected.

After dealing with injuries and inconsistency throughout his first two years, Olynyk had begun to contribute with more regularity, scoring in double figures in 12 of 17 games before the injury. He helped the Celtics stretch the floor and brought big men (such as Jordan) away from the basket.

With the Celtics playing Memphis, Houston, Indiana, Oklahoma City, and Toronto in the next 10 days, they could use Olynyk’s shooting ability.

“He’s been an effective player for us,’’ Stevens said. “He knows where to be defensively. Shooting is just a small part of it. He’s not a high-volume shooter. But he has to be guarded.’’

Smart fined $15K for gesture

Marcus Smart is not only going to have to pay fines for the two technical fouls he was assessed the past two games, but the NBA added another $15,000 for an obscene gesture he made during Friday’s win over the Knicks.

Smart was called for an offensive foul, apparently for hooking Jose Calderon with his right arm on a post-up. After official Marc Davis made the call, Smart had a spirited discussion with Davis, backed away, and appeared to grab his crotch before turning around. Davis hit Smart with a technical.

Smart then picked up another technical foul during Saturday’s loss in Cleveland, giving him five for the season, second on the team to Isaiah Thomas’s eight.

“I don’t feel I have to change,’’ Smart said before the fine was announced. “Everybody is going to make mistakes, not just as a player but as officials, too. It’s nothing personal between the players or the refs. It’s just everybody gets caught in the moment of the game, and stuff like that’s going to happen.’’

Stevens said all of his players have to keep their poise.

“There’s a fine line for you, but you’d rather a guy be more competitive than not,’’ Stevens said. “And Marcus is really a great competitor. He’s a young player, and those are things that he can continue to learn.’’

Clarke is on board

The Celtics have had an open roster spot since waiving David Lee two weeks ago, and they filled it Monday by signing NBADL Maine standout Coty Clarke, a forward from Arkansas who spent training camp with the club, to a 10-day contract.

Clarke, who is 6 feet 7 inches, averaged 16.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 39 games with the Red Claws. He is not likely to play much in games, but the Celtics want to see how he fits in their system.

“Our front office has been thrilled about him and heard about his play in Maine throughout the whole year,’’ Stevens said. “We obviously have a familiarity with him for being here. We thought it was a great opportunity to bring a guy on board while we had some practice time.’’

The Celtics play just three games over the next eight days.

Clarke learned of his promotion after Maine’s victory Sunday over Westchester.

“I want to be that energy guy and do what I can to push guys,’’ he said. “[To show] they made the right decision by bringing me in in training camp, putting me down in the D-League, and showing I can play at this level. I’m here to work.’’

Meanwhile, the Celtics recalled guard R.J. Hunter after a short stint with the Red Claws.

Gary Washburn can be reached at gwashburn@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @GwashburnGlobe.