Celtics dealt major blow as Al Horford is OUT due to Health & Safety Protocols; Smart officially OUT as well

#NEBHInjuryReport update:

Al Horford (Health & Safety Protocols) - OUT
Marcus Smart (right mid-foot sprain) - OUT

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 17, 2022

Wow. Quite the gut punch to the Celtics with just a couple hours until game time. Al Horford has already gotten COVID twice this season. It is unclear whether he tested positive for COVID or he's in the Health and Safety Protocols due to exposure.

Come on Celtics. Quarantine if you must. You're way to close to your goal right now.

Pretty much confirm he tested positive and it wasn't an exposure thing. https://t.co/IHCVniQtCr

— CelticsLife.com (@celticslife) May 17, 2022

Since mid-December, the Celtics are 42-14 with Al Horford.

3-6 without him.

— Sean Grande (@SeanGrandePBP) May 17, 2022

Ime Udoka gives an update on Al Horford: "As always we don't comment on the status of our guys. He's feeling fine and we'll go from there." pic.twitter.com/SbaLZIaihN

— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) May 17, 2022