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.
#NEBHInjuryReport update:
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 19, 2022
Derrick White (personal reasons) - OUT https://t.co/FiG7cxgLMS
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.
#NEBHInjuryReport update:
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 19, 2022
Al Horford - AVAILABLE https://t.co/wmOKz3DqyW
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.