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Friday, December 22, 2023

Boston Celtics Suffer 2 Tough Blows With Al Horford, Marcus Smart Ruled Out Against the Miami Heat in Opener

The Boston Celtics suffered a tough blow in their second game of the season losing two starters to injury. Al Horford was ruled out for the remainder of preseason due to soreness and Marcus Smart will be sidelined indefinitely after undergoing surgery on his right hand, which sustained an avulsion fracture. They had already lost Gordon Hayward but this is still major news that has some people wondering if they are even ready for opening night!.

The “Boston Celtics suffer 2 tough blows with Al Horford, Marcus Smart ruled out against the Miami Heat in opener” is a blog about the Boston Celtics opening game against the Miami Heat. The article mentions that both Al Horford and Marcus Smart were not able to play because of injuries. Read more in detail here: marcus smart.

The Boston Celtics used their depth to defeat the Milwaukee Bucks. In Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat, that depth will be put to the test.

Right before the series opening Tuesday night, the Celtics received some bad news about two of their starters. Marcus Smart, who had been labeled as doubtful since the Bucks series ended, has been ruled out. Nobody anticipated Al Horford’s absence.

Marcus Smart and Al Horford have been ruled out of the first game against the Miami Heat.

The Boston Celtics’ Al Horford dunks the ball during the first half of Game 7 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts on May 15, 2022. | Getty Images/Adam Glanzman

During Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Smart sprained his right midfoot. He had an MRI on Monday, according to ESPN, and it came back clear.

“He had a nasty fall and was badly injured. He has a sprain in his midfoot, which is sensitive and uncomfortable right now,” Udoka stated on Monday. “We’ll provide him round-the-clock care, and he’ll be categorized as suspect for the time being.”

He put his foot to the test on Tuesday, and it didn’t go so well, as he is out for Game 1.

Horford’s departure was something the Celtics had not anticipated.

Shams Charania of The Athletic broke the news two and a half hours before tipoff that both starters would be sidelined.

“Celtics‘ Al Horford and Marcus Smart are out for Game 1 vs. Miami tonight,” Charania tweeted. “Horford is in health and safety protocols.”

The Celtics have relied on Smart and Horford in the playoffs.

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Horford, the Celtics’ 35-year-old center, was instrumental in the team’s run to the Eastern Conference finals. In Game 4, his 30-point performance on the road helped Boston tie the series with the Bucks. Horford hit 11 of 14 shots from the field, including 5-for-7 from beyond the arc, to save the Celtics from falling down 3-1.

“We adore Al,” Smart said after the Game 4 victory, according to ESPN. “The best veterinarian we’ve ever had.” I’ve never had a better veterinarian. He always comes in, regardless of how things are going. He’ll be himself, and nine times out of ten, it’ll work out in our favor.”

Horford also put up a good fight against Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo. He and the Greek Freak had a few stare-downs, which helped him stay focused throughout the game.

“I’m not sure what he said to me,” Horford added, “but the way he looked at me and the way he went about it didn’t set well with me.” “I suppose something changed with me in the game at that time.”

Smart has had his share of big moments. He is the Celtics’ heart and soul. The NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year has shown he can defend any position, often squaring up against Antetokounmpo, who is 6-foot-11.

With Horford sidelined, the Celtics will have to rely on Robert Williams. With a damaged knee, Williams, the youthful, athletic center, missed most of the Bucks series. He was in the lineup for Game 7 but did not play.

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