Boston Celtics played with two important pieces of their identity out for Game 1 of the series vs Miami Heat. In the latest injury report, Marcus Smart seems to be ready to compete in Gm2 Thursday after suffering a mid-foot sprain that kept him out.
Al Horford, who entered Health and Safety Protocols prior to Gm1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, is doubtful for Thursday’s matchup. Even without those two, the Celtics won three of the four quarter in Game 1, but, they had a horrible third-quarter in the 118-107 loss.
Horford averaged 13.0 points and a team-best 10.4 rebounds in the Celtics’ seven-game win over Milwaukee, starting all those contests. This is the third time Al-Horford is on protocols.
Typically, it has taken players who test positive a minimum of five days to escape the protocols. Smart played in six of the seven games of the semifinal series vs the Milwaukee Bucks.
Overall, he is averaging 15 points, 3.7 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game in the 2022 playoffs. Derrick White was added to the starting lineup in Smart’s place, and Grant Williams was starting in place of Horford.
The Celtics will face Miami Thursday night for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series.
#NEBHInjuryReport for Game 2 vs Miami:
Sam Hauser (right shoulder instability episode) – OUT
Al Horford (Health & Safety Protocols) – DOUBTFUL
Marcus Smart (right mid-foot sprain) – PROBABLE— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 18, 2022
