Al Horford out tonight versus the Lakers with concussion-like symptoms


The red-hot Boston Celtics will be without a key player when they host the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night. Al Horford, who took a shot to the head Monday in Atlanta, experienced concussion-like symptoms this morning. He has now entered the NBA's concussion protocol and will not suit up as the Celtics seek the win their tenth straight:



For those of you who may not have seen it happen live, Horford got Kent Bazemore in the air with an up-fake, leading to Bazemore smacking Horford across the head with his arm:


While seeing Horford get hit hard and lay on the floor in some pain was worrisome, he stayed in the contest and finished the entire game. He didn't experience any symptoms of a potential concussion until more than a day after the final buzzer, when he woke up Wednesday morning.

It is yet to be known how much time Horford will miss following tonight's matchup with the Lakers. Unfortunately, I wouldn't be surprised if he misses not just Friday's showing against the Hornets, but possibly the whole following week.

The 31-year-old suffered a concussion early last season as well, and it took him nine games to get back into action after facing setbacks and disturbances in his recovery. Hopefully, this one is not as serious, but it's tough to tell considering some players have suited up after one game, while others take much longer. At this point, we don't really know the severity of the concussion and cannot assume anything.

We'll keep you updated on Al's status moving forward, but all we know for sure is the big man will not play in Wednesday night's contest with LA.


Follow Erik Johnson on Twitter: @erikjohnson32

Photo via AP Photo/Paul Sancya
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