The Boston Celtics were extremely shorthanded in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Starters Al Horford and Marcus Smart were unavailable due to their respective reasons. And, as a result, the Celtics trail the Miami Heat 0-1 ahead of Game 2.

Smart was sidelined because of a foot sprain he suffered in Boston's Eastern Conference Semifinals series against the Milwaukee Bucks. Meanwhile, Horford couldn't play because he tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the matchup. Unfortunately, he isn't the only person within the Boston franchise dealing with the virus, causing concern for the team moving forward.

This is according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, who reports that “there are several staff members of the Celtics who have tested positive over the last few days,” quotes courtesy of RealGM.

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Windhorst also revealed that Horford's positive test took the team “very much by surprise.” He said that the power forward was at shootaround Tuesday morning before the Celtics left their hotel for Game 1. For now, Horford is the only Boston player in COVID-19 protocols. The Heat have none.

Game 2 is quickly approaching, and the Celtics do not anticipate Horford making an appearance. According to recent reports, it is “highly unlikely” that he clears protocol for the matchup in Miami. Meanwhile, Marcus Smart is expected to make his series debut for Boston Thursday night.