In the latest Boston Celtics News, the team might play against the Charlotte Hornets at the TD Garden without two of its original starters. Center Al Horford was already ruled out for the second consecutive game, while forward Jayson Tatum remains questionable.
Precautionary measure
The Boston Celtics are practicing caution with Al Horford. Last Monday, November 6, Horford's head got hit in the second quarter of the Celtics' 110-107 win over the Atlanta Hawks. The former All-Star center finished the game, but there was worrisome Celtics news by Wednesday (November 8) as he started to have headaches.
Since Horford has dealt with a concussion in the past, the Celtics decided to enter him to the NBA's concussion protocol.
Losing Horford is difficult for the Celtics, especially with him playing excellently this season. The 31-year-old from the Dominican Republic is averaging 14.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per outing. Horford is one of the guys that emerged for the Celtics when Gordon Hayward went down with a gruesome injury.
Tough break
Meanwhile, for Jayson Tatum, the ankle issue he is dealing with is a tough break for him. Tatum is having a terrific rookie year so far. The former Duke Blue Devils standout is averaging 13.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, with 1.8 assists per contest for the Boston Celtics.
Unfortunately, in the Celtics' showdown with the Los Angeles Lakers, Tatum began experiencing pain in his ankle. He left in the second quarter of that contest and never returned. ESPN reported that Tatum had X-rays. The good Celtics news was that the results came back negative. However, he is day-to-day and is uncertain when the Celtics host the Charlotte Hornets.
Substitutes
The Boston Celtics have players that can take the place of Al Horford and Jayson Tatum if needed. In the absence of Horford, the likes of Aaron Baynes and Daniel Theis are expected to step up. On the other hand, potentially replacing Tatum are Marcus Morris and Semi Ojeleye. Marcus Smart, who is a guard, could even take the responsibilities of Tatum because of his size and versatility on both ends of the floor.
The Celtics are fine without Horford and Tatum, though it is unfortunate that they are hurt. Boston will put its 10-game winning streak on the line tonight when it welcomes the Charlotte Hornets at the TD Garden. The Celtics are currently the best team in the Eastern Conference with their 10-2 record.
