MIAMI — Marcus SmartHopes to play. Al HorfordIt is likely that it will remain. It is likely to remain out. Derrick WhiteYou were very much in the right place to be early when you return home.
The Boston CelticsThey hoped to have at least one of their starters back for Game 2 in the Eastern Conference finals on Thursday night. Smart's injury to his midfoot has been improved enough that the Celtics expect him to be able to play in the second game against them. Miami Heat.
Horford was still under the NBA's safety protocol and the Celtics were worried that he would miss the second consecutive game. The Celtics have yet to confirm if Horford was positive for COVID-19 but are listing him in doubtful — not out — and allowing them to enter the day. This offered some hope that he would be able play in Game 2.
“We are unsure about his status until some tests results come back,” Ime Udoka, Celtics coach said.
White, who played 29 minutes in Boston’s loss 118-107 to Miami on Tuesday, won't be playing in Game 2. Due to the imminent birth, White had to leave Miami earlier than expected.
It's difficult to admit, but you don't want them to. Udoka stated that we knew he was going to have a baby soon. “Things can happen in life, and we always support our boys.”
Smart is the league’s current defensive player-of-the-year. On Sunday, Smart sustained a foot injury in Game 7. He tried to get dressed in time for Game 1 on Tuesday, but to no avail.
“He looked good,” Celtics guard Grant WilliamsAfter the team's Thursday morning shootaround, they said.
Horford is now in the protocols for the third consecutive season. Horford missed the Celtics' regular season opener. He then missed five games in December and was out of Game 1 within hours.
Celtics center: “We weren’t ready to be playing without Al,” Daniel Theis said.
On the Boston health front, there was some good news Thursday: the Celtics got their coach back. Udoka missed Wednesday's scheduled media session due to a non COVID illness. However, he said that he was feeling good on Thursday.
Miami will not be without Kyle LowryFor the eighth time in its 10 playoff games, while he continues to recover from a hamstring strain. The Heat has listed its backcourt starters Gabe VincentLowry's replacement — Max StrusBoth were planning to play, but they both are questionable for Game 2.
