Gary Washburn: Huge blow for #Celtics. Al Horford (health and safety protocols) and Marcus Smart (foot) both ruled OUT for Game 1 vs. #Heat.
Source: Twitter @GwashburnGlobe
Source: Twitter @GwashburnGlobe
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz
NEW: Celtics without starters Marcus Smart, Al Horford for Game 1 of East finals vs. Heat. And Celtics say they’re unsure if Horford exposed the whole team to COVID eight hours ago: miamiherald.com/sports/nba/mia… – 7:23 PM
NEW: Celtics without starters Marcus Smart, Al Horford for Game 1 of East finals vs. Heat. And Celtics say they’re unsure if Horford exposed the whole team to COVID eight hours ago: miamiherald.com/sports/nba/mia… – 7:23 PM
Mark Murphy @Murf56
Udoka on whether Horford tested positive: “As always, we don’t comment on our status of our guys. He’s feeling fine, and we’ll go from there, wait to see results and tests and future tests. Like always, I don’t comment on our status of our guys.” – 7:22 PM
Udoka on whether Horford tested positive: “As always, we don’t comment on our status of our guys. He’s feeling fine, and we’ll go from there, wait to see results and tests and future tests. Like always, I don’t comment on our status of our guys.” – 7:22 PM
Chris Forsberg @ChrisForsberg_
Ime Udoka’s pregame press conference airing RIGHT NOW on Celtics Post Up on @NBCSBoston
Al Horford entered health and safety protocols two hours ago. Status uncertain moving forward.
Derrick White and Grant Williams get the start in Game 1. – 7:11 PM
Ime Udoka’s pregame press conference airing RIGHT NOW on Celtics Post Up on @NBCSBoston
Al Horford entered health and safety protocols two hours ago. Status uncertain moving forward.
Derrick White and Grant Williams get the start in Game 1. – 7:11 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
Celtics Game 1 depth chart vs. Heat
Guards: Brown, White, Pritchard, Stauskas
Forwards: Tatum, G. Williams, Nesmith, Fitts, Morgan
Bigs: R. Williams, Theis, Kornet
OUT: Horford (health and safety protocols), Smart (foot), Hauser (shoulder) – 7:11 PM
Celtics Game 1 depth chart vs. Heat
Guards: Brown, White, Pritchard, Stauskas
Forwards: Tatum, G. Williams, Nesmith, Fitts, Morgan
Bigs: R. Williams, Theis, Kornet
OUT: Horford (health and safety protocols), Smart (foot), Hauser (shoulder) – 7:11 PM
Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Grant Williams and Derrick White are starting for the Celtics tonight with Horford and Smart out.
Celtics learned Horford would need to enter protocols a few hours ago. His status for Games 2 and 3 are also up in the air with protocol clock starting today. – 7:09 PM
Grant Williams and Derrick White are starting for the Celtics tonight with Horford and Smart out.
Celtics learned Horford would need to enter protocols a few hours ago. His status for Games 2 and 3 are also up in the air with protocol clock starting today. – 7:09 PM
Tom Westerholm @Tom_NBA
Udoka confirms that Horford’s availability going forward comes down to testing. Needs the requisite number of negative tests. – 7:08 PM
Udoka confirms that Horford’s availability going forward comes down to testing. Needs the requisite number of negative tests. – 7:08 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Ime Udoka said “it’s not definite” that Al Horford will miss through Game 2. Cited the protocols being different than earlier this season.
Udoka also said he’s “honestly unsure” if any other members are the Celtics are considered close contacts or at risk of missing time. – 7:07 PM
Ime Udoka said “it’s not definite” that Al Horford will miss through Game 2. Cited the protocols being different than earlier this season.
Udoka also said he’s “honestly unsure” if any other members are the Celtics are considered close contacts or at risk of missing time. – 7:07 PM
A. Sherrod Blakely @ASherrodblakely
Ime Udoka added that Al Horford may be available for Game 2 – 7:06 PM
Ime Udoka added that Al Horford may be available for Game 2 – 7:06 PM
A. Sherrod Blakely @ASherrodblakely
Ime Udoka said he found out Al Horford would go into health and safety protocol about two hours ago. – 7:05 PM
Ime Udoka said he found out Al Horford would go into health and safety protocol about two hours ago. – 7:05 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobe
#Celtics found out about Horford two hours ago. Udoka said it’s not a certainty he will miss Game 2. Derrick White and Grant Williams will start. #Heat – 7:05 PM
#Celtics found out about Horford two hours ago. Udoka said it’s not a certainty he will miss Game 2. Derrick White and Grant Williams will start. #Heat – 7:05 PM
Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
Ime Udoka says this is the first day that the Celtics knew of a protocols issue with Al Horford. Says he’s feeling fine and that it’s not guaranteed that he’ll miss Game 2. Also won’t say if Horford tested positive.
Derrick White and Grant Williams will start tonight. – 7:05 PM
Ime Udoka says this is the first day that the Celtics knew of a protocols issue with Al Horford. Says he’s feeling fine and that it’s not guaranteed that he’ll miss Game 2. Also won’t say if Horford tested positive.
Derrick White and Grant Williams will start tonight. – 7:05 PM
Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBA
Al Horford’s testing result came in two hours ago and he is in protocol. Udoka won’t confirm that he tested positive but said he is feeling fine. Unclear if Horford will miss Game 2 at the moment. White and Grant will start.
“Not a definite he is out for two games.” – Udoka – 7:05 PM
Al Horford’s testing result came in two hours ago and he is in protocol. Udoka won’t confirm that he tested positive but said he is feeling fine. Unclear if Horford will miss Game 2 at the moment. White and Grant will start.
“Not a definite he is out for two games.” – Udoka – 7:05 PM
Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz
With Horford (covid) clock starting today, he’s likely to miss game 2 and potentially 3. Grant Williams and Derrick White start with Smart and Hordord out. – 7:05 PM
With Horford (covid) clock starting today, he’s likely to miss game 2 and potentially 3. Grant Williams and Derrick White start with Smart and Hordord out. – 7:05 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
Ime Udoka on Al Horford: “It’s not definite he’s out for two games.” – 7:04 PM
Ime Udoka on Al Horford: “It’s not definite he’s out for two games.” – 7:04 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Grant Williams and Derrick White will start in place of Al Horford and Marcus Smart, per Ime Udoka. – 7:04 PM
Grant Williams and Derrick White will start in place of Al Horford and Marcus Smart, per Ime Udoka. – 7:04 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Ime Udoka said the Celtics found out about Al Horford “about two hours ago”.
He added that Horford is feeling fine, but that the team will not comment on his testing status. – 7:04 PM
Ime Udoka said the Celtics found out about Al Horford “about two hours ago”.
He added that Horford is feeling fine, but that the team will not comment on his testing status. – 7:04 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
Ime Udoka on when he found out about Al Horford: “About two hours ago.” – 7:03 PM
Ime Udoka on when he found out about Al Horford: “About two hours ago.” – 7:03 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
New ESPN story: Boston will begin the Eastern Conference finals without Marcus Smart and Al Horford. espn.com/nba/story/_/id… – 7:01 PM
New ESPN story: Boston will begin the Eastern Conference finals without Marcus Smart and Al Horford. espn.com/nba/story/_/id… – 7:01 PM
Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Spoelstra on learning the Celtics will be without Horford and Smart: “I feel like this is the world we’ve been living in for a long time and certainly this year. Every team has had a lot of experience with this. This has become kind of the normal prep and expect the unexpected.” – 7:00 PM
Spoelstra on learning the Celtics will be without Horford and Smart: “I feel like this is the world we’ve been living in for a long time and certainly this year. Every team has had a lot of experience with this. This has become kind of the normal prep and expect the unexpected.” – 7:00 PM
Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
Erik Spoelstra on finding out about Smart and Horford being ruled out a few hours before tipoff:
“This has become the normal prep. Expect the unexpected.” – 6:48 PM
Erik Spoelstra on finding out about Smart and Horford being ruled out a few hours before tipoff:
“This has become the normal prep. Expect the unexpected.” – 6:48 PM
Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
Spo on Smart, Horford absences: “I feel like this is world we’ve been living in for a long time, certainly this year. Every team has experience dealing with this. This has become the normal prep: Expect the unexpected. We just need to focus on bringing our best version tonight.” – 6:47 PM
Spo on Smart, Horford absences: “I feel like this is world we’ve been living in for a long time, certainly this year. Every team has experience dealing with this. This has become the normal prep: Expect the unexpected. We just need to focus on bringing our best version tonight.” – 6:47 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Celtics’ starters Smart, Horford out for Game 1 against Heat nba.nbcsports.com/2022/05/17/cel… – 6:43 PM
Celtics’ starters Smart, Horford out for Game 1 against Heat nba.nbcsports.com/2022/05/17/cel… – 6:43 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Game 1 will be what it will be with Al Horford, Marcus Smart and Kyle Lowry all out.
But the key becomes how long those guys are all out. Any one of them getting back soon would be huge.
Worry for Boston is that COVID can still spread very rapidly. That’s worrisome for the C’s. – 6:40 PM
Game 1 will be what it will be with Al Horford, Marcus Smart and Kyle Lowry all out.
But the key becomes how long those guys are all out. Any one of them getting back soon would be huge.
Worry for Boston is that COVID can still spread very rapidly. That’s worrisome for the C’s. – 6:40 PM
Sean Grande @SeanGrandePBP
Since mid-December, the Celtics are 42-14 with Al Horford.
3-6 without him. – 6:37 PM
Since mid-December, the Celtics are 42-14 with Al Horford.
3-6 without him. – 6:37 PM
Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
This seems like a game-changer.
As Heat opens the East finals without Kyle Lowry, Celtics announce Marcus Smart and Al Horford will also miss Game 1. The latest: miamiherald.com/sports/nba/mia… – 6:23 PM
This seems like a game-changer.
As Heat opens the East finals without Kyle Lowry, Celtics announce Marcus Smart and Al Horford will also miss Game 1. The latest: miamiherald.com/sports/nba/mia… – 6:23 PM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
Al Horford, Marcus Smart injury updates: Celtics without two key players for Game 1 vs. Heat
cbssports.com/nba/news/al-ho… – 6:22 PM
Al Horford, Marcus Smart injury updates: Celtics without two key players for Game 1 vs. Heat
cbssports.com/nba/news/al-ho… – 6:22 PM
Joe Vardon @joevardon
Stunning blow to Celtics before the conference finals start: Not only is Marcus Smart out, but Al Horford is out due to COVID protocol, putting his availability for Game 2 into question. @The Athletic theathletic.com/news/celtics-a… – 6:19 PM
Stunning blow to Celtics before the conference finals start: Not only is Marcus Smart out, but Al Horford is out due to COVID protocol, putting his availability for Game 2 into question. @The Athletic theathletic.com/news/celtics-a… – 6:19 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
This is the third time Al Horford has entered NBA health and safety protocols this season. Much more on his and Smart’s absence here along with how Celtics will adjust in their absence masslive.com/celtics/2022/0… – 6:18 PM
This is the third time Al Horford has entered NBA health and safety protocols this season. Much more on his and Smart’s absence here along with how Celtics will adjust in their absence masslive.com/celtics/2022/0… – 6:18 PM
Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Celtics without Marcus Smart, Al Horford for East finals Game 1 vs. Heat, joining Heat’s Lowry as out. sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-h… – 6:17 PM
Celtics without Marcus Smart, Al Horford for East finals Game 1 vs. Heat, joining Heat’s Lowry as out. sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-h… – 6:17 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
Celtics center Robert Williams (sore left knee) had a couple good days of practice and should be able to play significant minutes in Game 1, sources tell ESPN. His importance against Miami certainly increases with the absence of Al Horford. – 6:16 PM
Celtics center Robert Williams (sore left knee) had a couple good days of practice and should be able to play significant minutes in Game 1, sources tell ESPN. His importance against Miami certainly increases with the absence of Al Horford. – 6:16 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
Breaking: The latest on Marcus Smart and Al Horford who are both out for Game 1 of East Finals masslive.com/celtics/2022/0… – 6:09 PM
Breaking: The latest on Marcus Smart and Al Horford who are both out for Game 1 of East Finals masslive.com/celtics/2022/0… – 6:09 PM
Tom Westerholm @Tom_NBA
Also the Celtics need to pray this is limited to just Horford because — ICYMI — COVID has been known to spread a bit. – 6:07 PM
Also the Celtics need to pray this is limited to just Horford because — ICYMI — COVID has been known to spread a bit. – 6:07 PM
Mark Murphy @Murf56
Horford’s absence obviously puts a lot on the ramp-up of Rob Williams. – 6:07 PM
Horford’s absence obviously puts a lot on the ramp-up of Rob Williams. – 6:07 PM
Danny Leroux @DannyLeroux
Talking about Horford (!?!) and Smart being out for the Celtics with @Nate Duncan on @SpotifyLive: spotify.link/duncanandlerou… – 6:06 PM
Talking about Horford (!?!) and Smart being out for the Celtics with @Nate Duncan on @SpotifyLive: spotify.link/duncanandlerou… – 6:06 PM
Mark Murphy @Murf56
Tough way for Celtics to start. Team announces that Al Horford (health and safety protocols) and Marcus Smart (sprained right foot) are both out for Game 1. – 6:06 PM
Tough way for Celtics to start. Team announces that Al Horford (health and safety protocols) and Marcus Smart (sprained right foot) are both out for Game 1. – 6:06 PM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Al Horford led the Celtics in rebounds and blocks, and was third in assists in the first round vs. Milwaukee.
Oh and Marcus Smart was the DPOY this season.
Huge losses for Boston – already a bit worn down coming off a grueling 7-game series vs. the Bucks – 6:05 PM
Al Horford led the Celtics in rebounds and blocks, and was third in assists in the first round vs. Milwaukee.
Oh and Marcus Smart was the DPOY this season.
Huge losses for Boston – already a bit worn down coming off a grueling 7-game series vs. the Bucks – 6:05 PM
Tom Westerholm @Tom_NBA
During the regular season, the Celtics had a net rating of 2.2 with Smart and Horford (and Dennis Schröder) off the floor. That’s a very significant drop. – 6:03 PM
During the regular season, the Celtics had a net rating of 2.2 with Smart and Horford (and Dennis Schröder) off the floor. That’s a very significant drop. – 6:03 PM
John Karalis @John_Karalis
Al Horford has entered Health & Safety protocols and is out tonight. Brutal timing for this.
Marcus Smart is also out with his left foot sprain – 6:03 PM
Al Horford has entered Health & Safety protocols and is out tonight. Brutal timing for this.
Marcus Smart is also out with his left foot sprain – 6:03 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
One of Boston’s biggest differences this time around vs the 2020 series was that Al Horford would give them a much better matchup vs Bam Adebayo than Daniel Theis did.
That’s removed now, for presumably at least a decent chunk of this series. – 6:02 PM
One of Boston’s biggest differences this time around vs the 2020 series was that Al Horford would give them a much better matchup vs Bam Adebayo than Daniel Theis did.
That’s removed now, for presumably at least a decent chunk of this series. – 6:02 PM
Ryan McDonald @ryanwmcdonald
Al Horford and Marcus Smart are apparently out for the Celtics tonight pic.twitter.com/rcU5WEhwsA – 6:01 PM
Al Horford and Marcus Smart are apparently out for the Celtics tonight pic.twitter.com/rcU5WEhwsA – 6:01 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
The Celtics have historically been very good when they have players out, but not having Al Horford and Marcus Smart is testing those limits more than is reasonable. – 6:00 PM
The Celtics have historically been very good when they have players out, but not having Al Horford and Marcus Smart is testing those limits more than is reasonable. – 6:00 PM
Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
Marcus Smart and Al Horford ruled out tonight for game 1
Well that changes things – 6:00 PM
Marcus Smart and Al Horford ruled out tonight for game 1
Well that changes things – 6:00 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobe
Huge blow for #Celtics. Al Horford (health and safety protocols) and Marcus Smart (foot) both ruled OUT for Game 1 vs. #Heat. – 6:00 PM
Huge blow for #Celtics. Al Horford (health and safety protocols) and Marcus Smart (foot) both ruled OUT for Game 1 vs. #Heat. – 6:00 PM
Chris Haynes @ChrisBHaynes
Boston Celtics announce Al Horford (Health & Safety Protocols) and Marcus Smart (Right Mid-Foot Sprain) are out tonight against the Miami Heat. – 5:59 PM
Boston Celtics announce Al Horford (Health & Safety Protocols) and Marcus Smart (Right Mid-Foot Sprain) are out tonight against the Miami Heat. – 5:59 PM
Chris Forsberg @ChrisForsberg_
Celtics say Al Horford is in health and safety protocol. Marcus Smart is OUT due to foot injury. – 5:59 PM
Celtics say Al Horford is in health and safety protocol. Marcus Smart is OUT due to foot injury. – 5:59 PM
Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Celtics announce Al Horford is out tonight because of health and safety protocols. Marcus Smart also out with right mid-foot sprain. – 5:59 PM
Celtics announce Al Horford is out tonight because of health and safety protocols. Marcus Smart also out with right mid-foot sprain. – 5:59 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
The Celtics announced Marcus Smart and Al Horford are both out tonight. Horford is in the health and safety protocols, and Smart suffered a foot sprain in Game 7. – 5:58 PM
The Celtics announced Marcus Smart and Al Horford are both out tonight. Horford is in the health and safety protocols, and Smart suffered a foot sprain in Game 7. – 5:58 PM
Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBA
Celtics announce Al Horford is out in Health and Safety Protocols and Marcus Smart is out with his foot sprain. Huge blow for the Celtics right before Game 1 in Miami. – 5:58 PM
Celtics announce Al Horford is out in Health and Safety Protocols and Marcus Smart is out with his foot sprain. Huge blow for the Celtics right before Game 1 in Miami. – 5:58 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Al Horford and Marcus Smart are both OUT tonight, per the Celtics. – 5:58 PM
Al Horford and Marcus Smart are both OUT tonight, per the Celtics. – 5:58 PM
Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
Celtics‘ Al Horford and Marcus Smart are out for Game 1 vs. Miami tonight. Horford is in health and safety protocols. – 5:58 PM
Celtics‘ Al Horford and Marcus Smart are out for Game 1 vs. Miami tonight. Horford is in health and safety protocols. – 5:58 PM
NBA Math @NBA_Math
Top 25 NBA Player Power Rankings updated heading into the conference finals:
10. Al Horford
9. Jordan Poole
8. Klay Thompson
7. Bam Adebayo
6. Jalen Brunson
5.
4.
3.
2.
1.
Full top 25 from @fromal09 on @Sportscasting19: https://t.co/mgWpa49wAd pic.twitter.com/eMAk3DwFZM – 10:51 AM
Top 25 NBA Player Power Rankings updated heading into the conference finals:
10. Al Horford
9. Jordan Poole
8. Klay Thompson
7. Bam Adebayo
6. Jalen Brunson
5.
4.
3.
2.
1.
Full top 25 from @fromal09 on @Sportscasting19: https://t.co/mgWpa49wAd pic.twitter.com/eMAk3DwFZM – 10:51 AM
More on this storyline
Mark Murphy: Ime Udoka would not rule out Horford for Game 2 – said everything depends on testing protocols. Horford has now gone into protocol for the third time, also including preseason and a five-game absence in December. -via Twitter @Murf56 / May 17, 2022
Anthony Slater: Steve Kerr did not travel with the Warriors to Memphis today. That lines up Mike Brown to be the head coach again for Game 5. -via Twitter @anthonyVslater / May 10, 2022
Marc J. Spears: Mike Brown says Steve Kerr told him he may not be able to coach at 4:45 pm today and 30 minutes later learned he was out. -via Twitter @MarcJSpears / May 10, 2022
