The Boston Celtics will be without the services of All-Star big man Al Horford on Monday night, when the team travels to American Airlines Arena to face the Miami Heat.
The team didn’t specifically give the reason for Horford’s absence, but he’s not expected to miss much time. His absence also doesn’t appear related to the concussion that sidelined him for nine games earlier this month.
In fact, his absence reportedly is due to some good news: He’s a dad (again).
Congrats to the Horford family on the great news.
In the four games since the 30-year-old’s return from injury, he’s averaging 16.8 points, 8 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 2.8 blocks in just under 34 minutes per game, providing some much-needed stabilization to Boston’s rotation.
They’ll have to make due against Miami, which features All-Defensive teamer Hassan Whiteside in the paint and is sixth in the NBA in total rebounding and 10th in inside scoring, per TeamRankings.com.
Kelly Olynyk likely will take Horford’s place in the starting lineup. Olynyk averaged 10 points and 5.6 rebound in 27.7 minutes per game in the five game he started during Horford’s absence.
Thumbnail photo via Jeremy Brevard/USA TODAY Sports Images
