Celtics Smart is probable, Horford is in for Game 2 vs Heat, and White is home with family
The Celtics bring Marcus Smart and Al Hordford back for Game 2 vs the Miami Heat, while Derrick White heads home to attend the birth of his child.
Boston’s center Daniel Theis said it Wednesday: Marcus Smart was going to be back.
He was right. The Celtics’ defensive player of the year is expected to return for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals series against Miami.
Related: What injury does Marcus Smart have?
The even better news? The Celtics just announced Al Horford is available for tonight’s game, after being questionable due to sickness.
Congratulations Derrick White and family!
Celtics’ guard Derrick White, on the other hand, has been ruled out for Game 2 for other reasons. The 27-year-old, who was starting in-place of Smart in Game 1, headed back home to attend the birth of his child with his wife, Hannah, according to Celtics head coach Ime Udoka.
Boston’s best-of-seven against the top-seeded Heat took a turn when Jimmy Butler went for 41 points leading Miami to a 118-107 victory over the Celtics. Missing both Smart and Horford in Game 1, Boston couldn’t find a way back up.
Tonight, however, the Celtics will get a much-needed boost from two players who have helped the franchise earn their 51-31 record, and land the second seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Celtics vs Heat Game 2 takes place tonight, May 19, at 8:30 PM ET on ESPN.