Celtics announce Marcus Smart, Al Horford out for Game 1 of Eastern Conference Finals

Ahead of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat, the Boston Celtics have ruled out Marcus Smart and Al Horford. Smart suffered a foot sprain during Game 7 of their series against the Milwaukee Bucks just two days ago, while Horford has entered health and safety protocols.

Boston will look to begin their series with two of their best players out of the game on just one day of rest after a tough series with the defending champions. Miami and Jimmy Butler will host the Celtics after a dominant run through their first two playoff opponents, knocking out the Atlanta Hawks and the Philadelphia 76ers.

Smart and Horford out for Game 1

“The Celtics announced Marcus Smart and Al Horford are both out tonight,” said ESPN’s Tim Bontemps. “Horford is in the health and safety protocols, and Smart suffered a foot sprain in Game 7.”

Smart was named the 2021-22 NBA Defensive Player of the Year and averaged 14 points per game, 3.5 rebounds and 5.7 assists against the Bucks. Horford exploded for a career game in Game 4 against the Bucks and averaged 13 points, 10.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists in the series.

Later on, in the game, the Miami Heat suffered a major setback on the court early as PJ Tucker went to the locker room with an ankle injury. The former Texas forward suffered what appeared to be a non-contact injury while defending a play in the middle of the second quarter, as he left in the middle of a play by limping towards the bench.

Once he reached the bench, medical staff looked at him as he sat on the ground before he stood up under his own power and limped into the locker room for further evaluation. He would return to the court in the second half, with his injury appearing to be less serious than initially thought.

Ultimately, Miami won Game 1 of the series by a score of 118-107 after a dominant third quarter. Boston led at the half by 62-54, but were held to just 43 points in the second half by a much more focused Miami defense. The Heat were led by Jimmy Butler again who filled up the stat sheet. Butler ended with 41 points, nine rebounds, five assists, four steals and three blocks.