Boston Celtics big-man Al Horford has joined his All-Star teammate, Jaylen Brown, in COVID-19 protocols after testing positive for the virus.
Horford and Brown will miss the Celtics' preseason matchup with the Orlando Magic set for Wednesday.
#NEBHInjuryReport for tomorrow vs. Orlando:
Jaylen Brown (Health & Safety Protocols) – OUT
Al Horford (Health & Safety Protocols) – OUT
Josh Richardson (rest) – OUT
Dennis Schroder (rest) – OUT
Marcus Smart (rest) – OUT
Jayson Tatum (rest) – OUT— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 12, 2021
Horford, 35, marks the third known COVID-19 case for the Celtics in recent weeks. Head coach Ime Udoka had a breakthrough case last month. Udoka completed his isolated quarantine and returned to the sideline prior to the preseason.
Brown's positive test came this past Friday. He was asymptomatic and placed in quarantine. The team said Horford is in isolation and “further updates will be provided as appropriate.”
The Celtics say Al Horford has tested positive for COVID-19 and has joined Jaylen Brown on the list of Boston players in quarantine. pic.twitter.com/ktLZoNUlKG
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) October 12, 2021
Horford is set to start his second stint in Boston after being traded for Kemba Walker in June. He played for the Celtics from 2016-19 and earned one of his five career All-Star berths in 2017-18.
The Celtics begin their regular season on Wednesday, Oct. 20, with a visit to Madison Square Garden to face Walker and the New York Knicks. Both Brown and Horford should have time to complete their quarantines and produce multiple negative tests in order to be cleared to play in the season opener.
Horford has played in two preseason games thus far. He made 28 appearances for the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2020-21 before being shut down for the season despite being completely healthy.
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