The Boston Celtics just wrapped up their two-game slate of games in Abu Dhabi. Both contests were against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets, pitting the last two NBA Champions against each other. Boston rolled out their usual starting lineup for both games, minus one key piece—Al Horford.
Obviously, Kristaps Porzingis didn’t play either, but he’s not expected to be back on the court until December. Horford was a healthy scratch in both of the games, and Luke Kornet got the start in his place. Xavier Tillman and Neemias Queta provided the Celtics with backup minutes in Horford and Porzingis’ absences.
Luckily, there is nothing to worry about.
Al Horford missed Celtics preseason games against Nuggets, but he isn't injured
So, why didn’t Horford play in the Celtics’ preseason games against the Nuggets? According to Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe, Joe Mazzulla said it’s just a matter of ramping up.
“Asked Mazzulla about Horford again and he said that he's fine. Just gradually ramping up his workload,” Himmelsbach tweeted out.
Asked Mazzulla about Horford again and he said that he's fine. Just gradually ramping up his workload.
— Adam Himmelsbach (@AdamHimmelsbach) October 6, 2024
Last year, Horford enjoyed yet another impactful season in a Celtics jersey. He put up great stats all regular season, starting the majority of Boston’s games as Porzingis dealt with injuries. Then, he stepped up in a big way during the playoffs, as Porzingis missed over two rounds of the playoffs.
However, the Celtics are being rightfully cautious with the big man. He’s already 38 years old and will be entering his 18th season in the NBA.
Ever since Horford re-joined the Celtics via trade in 2021, he hasn’t been playing in back-to-backs. He sits out on the second night (for the most part) in an effort to preserve his body as best as possible.
So far, it’s worked out for the best, as Horford has come up big for the Celtics in the playoffs time and time again.
Obviously, it would be nice for fans to get to watch Horford play, and perhaps the Celtics will roll him out during their preseason games at TD Garden, but playing it safe is an easy choice.
Boston shouldn’t put any unnecessary strain on Horford’s body, and while the league may want to push forward the global market, sitting him in Abu Dhabi was a fine choice.
There’s no reason to worry about Horford, according to Mazzulla, and that’s great news for the Celtics. They will need him once again this season as they look to navigate Porzingis’ extended absence.
At 38 years old, Horford is staring down another huge season.