The Celtics knew they might be without Marcus Smart for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Heat, but on Tuesday they received devastating news: They also will be without Al Horford.
Horford, who entered health and safety protocols for the third time this season, was a late and unexpected scratch. Smart underwent treatment for a mid-foot sprain, which he suffered against the Bucks in Game 7 on Sunday, and the team ultimately decided to hold him out.
“He tested it out a little bit here and we hope he’s better but there’s still some soreness there, some swelling still,” Udoka told reporters at shoot around before Smart was officially ruled out.