Celtics' Al Horford: Contributes across board in victory
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Horford posted 16 points (5-8 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 5-7 FT), seven rebounds, five assists, two blocks and one steal over 39 minutes during Wednesday's 93-80 win over the Heat in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Horford took only two shots in Game 4 on Monday, but he was more aggressive offensively Wednesday, finishing third on the team with 16 points. The veteran also pulled down seven boards, dished five assists and blocked two shots to round out a strong stat line. Horford's offense tends to come and go, but he has been a big contributor in the series with averages of 12.8 points, 9.3 boards, 3.5 assists and 2.5 blocks over the four games in which he's played.
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Celtics' Al Horford: Keys in on boards, defense
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Horford amassed five points (1-2 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 13 rebounds, three assists and four blocks across 33 minutes during Monday's 102-82 victory over the Heat in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Horford surprisingly took only two shots in the contest after going 7-for-14 from the field in Game 3. However, the veteran still made substantial contributions, leading all players with 13 boards and four blocked shots. Horford has pulled down double-digit rebounds in four of his past five playoff contests.
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Celtics' Al Horford: Puts up double-double Saturday
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Horford racked up 20 points (7-14 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 3-3 FT), 14 rebounds, three assists and three blocks across 42 minutes during Saturday's 109-103 loss to the Heat in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
The veteran big man looked excellent on both ends of the court, racking up a double-double but also leaving his mark both as a playmaker and defender, though his efforts were not enough to lift the Celtics into a 2-1 lead in the series. This was his fifth double-double of the current playoff run, but he has been making quite an impact on the glass since he's now grabbed 10 or more boards in three of his last four contests.
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Celtics' Al Horford: Plays 33 minutes in return
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Horford provided 10 points (4-4 FG, 2-2 3Pt), three rebounds, three assists, one block and one steal across 33 minutes during Thursday's 127-102 win over Miami in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Horford returned from a one-game absence due to COVID-19 protocols and was perfect from the field en route to his eighth double-digit scoring performance of the postseason. Across 12 playoff appearances, the veteran forward has averaged 12.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.1 steals in 36.1 minutes.
Horford (COVID-19 protocols) has been cleared to play in Thursday's Game 2 against Miami, Tim Bontemps of ESPN reports.
Initially, the Celtics expected to be without the big man for the first two games of the series, but after missing Game 1 on Tuesday, Horford has since tested out of protocols. The big man may have a bit of rust to shake off, but he'll likely slide back into the starting lineup up front alongside Robert Williams. Horford was instrumental in the Celtics' Round 2 win over Milwaukee, averaging 13.0 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.7 blocks and 2.0 made threes per contest for the series.
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Celtics' Al Horford: Upgraded to questionable
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Horford (COVID-19 protocols) has been upgraded from doubtful to questionable for Thursday's Game 2 against the Heat, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.
Horford was initially deemed unlikely to play, but it appears there's a good chance he sees the floor, which may depend on more testing before tipoff. This would be a huge development for the Celtics, who are also expected to get Marcus Smart (foot) back for Game 2 while Derrick White (personal) will be sidelined. If Horford is cleared, he'll presumably move back into the starting lineup.
Celtics' Al Horford: 'Highly unlikely' to play in Game 2
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Horford (COVID-19 protocols) is "highly unlikely" to play in Thursday's Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reports. He is officially doubtful.
Haynes relays that there's a "minuscule" chance the veteran could be cleared for Game 2, so Boston is anticipating being without its starting forward for a second consecutive game. Luckily, Robert Williams returned from a four-game absence due to knee soreness and looked great in Game 1, so he -- along with Grant Williams -- will likely once again be asked to play heavy minutes in Horford's expected absence.
Horford was placed in health and safety protocols and is a late scratch for Tuesday's Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Heat, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
This is a huge loss for the Celtics, and Marcus Smart (foot) will be sidelined as well. It's not clear how long Horford will be out, but his status for Thursday's Game 2 looks to be murky, at best. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports that the Celtics are "prepared for the likely scenario" that Horford remains out for Game 2. His absence should push Robert Williams and Daniel Theis into more prominent roles. Williams didn't play in Game 7 of Round 2 against the Bucks despite being listed as available. However, coach Ime Udoka said Williams has no restrictions moving forward.
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Celtics' Al Horford: Grabs team-high 10 boards
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Horford logged six points (2-7 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 10 rebounds, six assists and one block over 40 minutes during Sunday's 109-81 win over Milwaukee in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
After totaling 75 points through the first four games of the series, the veteran forward amassed just 16 points during the final three contests. However, he still made his presence felt by attacking the glass and getting his teammates involved. Horford finished the second-round series with averages of 13.0 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.3 steals in 39.0 minutes.
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Celtics' Al Horford: Swats four shots in Game 6 win
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Horford provided two points (1-6 FG, 0-4 3Pt), 10 rebounds, three assists, four blocks and one steal in 38 minutes during Friday's 108-95 victory over Milwaukee in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
After exploding for 30 points in Game 4, Horford has totaled just 10 points across the next two contests. However, that hasn't stopped the veteran forward from making an impact on either matchup. Over the last two games, Horford has amassed 18 rebounds, nine assists, five blocks and four steals to go along with those meager 10 points. Regardless of his scoring production, Horford is expected to be a key contributor for the Celtics in Game 7 on Sunday.
Horford finished with eight points (4-7 FG, 0-2 3Pt), eight rebounds, six assists, one block and three steals in 41 minutes during Wednesday's 110-107 loss to Milwaukee in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals round.
Horford failed to hit a three for the first time across nine playoff games. He connected on just 33.6 percent of his triples throughout the regular season, but Horford has hit a ridiculous 51.1 percent on 5.0 attempts per game in the playoffs. Overall, he was less involved offensively Wednesday following a 30-point effort in Game 4.
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Player Bio
HT/WT: 6-9, 240 lbs
Birthplace: San Felipe de Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
