The Latest Breaking News from Al Horford

"At the end of the day," said Horford, "I feel like we all need to understand what we’re playing for."

As the Celtics gear up for the 2023 NBA Playoffs in the stretch run of their 2022-23 campaign, the Florida alum has looked almost a decade younger than his 36 years.

A much-needed win over Portland was a good start, but Boston’s problems run deep.

The Celtics cruised to victory over the visiting Trail Blazers Wednesday night, giving Boston a bit of momentum as the team heads out on the road.

BOSTON — The Celtics were never concerned about Jayson Tatum, nor should they have been.

The Cavs, just one win removed from a three-game losing streak, will be no easy team to get back in the win column against.

Nagging injuries and other issues have kept Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Al Horford, and Robert Williams III apart for the vast majority of the season.

"My biggest thing with him is making sure that he feels right and that he’s good to go at any point once the playoffs start," Horford said.

The weekend was quintessential Sixers: a two-game stretch that gave you every reason to think they can compete in a playoff against the best the NBA can offer, and several reasons to wonder whether they can actually win four times in seven games.

As the Celtics entered the All-Star break on a high note with last Wednesday’s win over the Pistons, they were understandably in high spirits. There were smiles all around the locker room as everyone departed for their respective destinations, as they boasted the best record in the NBA.

The injury bug couldn't slow Boston's roll as the Celtics exploded for a 106-99 victory against the Philadelphia 76ers.