The Boston Celtics played severely shorthanded on Wednesday against the Washington Wizards. Kyrie Irving, Al Horford, Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, and Daniel Theis were all out on the night, but the Celtics are reportedly expecting to have their starting center back on Friday when they take on the Orlando Magic.
The development was reported by Scott Souza of GateHouse Media, as Horford has already recovered and healthy enough to see action for them on the night.
#Celtics Brad Stevens: Al Horford should be back Friday #GoodNewsAtLast
— Scott Souza (@Scott_Souza) March 14, 2018
The 31-year-old has missed the team’s last two games due to illness, and they really felt his absence in both outings. Without Horford, the Celtics’ frontcourt rotation lacked depth and versatility, and Boston was forced to give extended playing time to Aron Baynes and Greg Monroe up front. Head coach Brad Stevens even had to use some unorthodox lineups, as he made the most out of the active roster at his disposal.
Horford’s return will be a huge boost to the Celtics, who have now lost two games in a row. The All-Star big man has been playing well all season long, with averages of 12.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.1 blocks in 31.7 minutes per game, leading to his fifth All-Star selection.
With most of the injured Celtics players still expected to miss Friday’s contest, Horford will be the focal point of their offense, along with Jayson Tatum and Terry Rozier, which will be his chance to shake off any rust he might have, and prepare him better for the last few games of their regular season schedule.
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