With Celtics on Second Night of a Back-to-Back, Al Horford Out for Saturday's Game vs. Magic

During training camp, Al Horford expressed he wants to play in both ends of back-to-backs this season. However, pacing him through the campaign is even more meaningful to the Celtics than regular season wins.

And after logging 34 minutes in Friday night's 111-104 victory in Miami, Boston's wisely chosen to hold the 36-year-old out of Saturday's game against Orlando.

#NEBHInjuryReport vs. Orlando:

Danilo Gallinari (left knee ACL repair) - OUT
Al Horford (low back stiffness) - OUT
Robert Williams (left knee surgery) - OUT
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 22, 2022

That decision factored into Blake Griffin not playing on the front end of this back-to-back. Griffin grabbed five rebounds in eight minutes in Boston's opening-night win over the Sixers.

Noah Vonleh, who threw down two thunderous dunks against Miami, grabbed five rebounds, three on the offensive glass, and blocked two shots, will also fill many of the minutes at center in Horford's absence.

YOU LOVE TO SEE IT pic.twitter.com/7AYbuKhnJB
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 22, 2022

Saturday might also bring Luke Kornet's season debut. While he's coming off an ankle injury, he's a seven-foot-two center who moves well and can stretch the floor.

Further Reading

Behind Enemy Lines: Magic Insider on What Celtics Fans Need to Know About Saturday's Opponent

The Top 5 Plays from Friday's Celtics-Heat Game

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Win vs. Heat: Boston Starts Fast and Ends Strong

[Film Room] Malcolm Brogdon's Fitting in Seamlessly with Celtics, but What's More Exciting is on the Horizon

After Opening Night Win, Celtics Express Their Belief in Joe Mazzulla and His Collaborative Approach

Grant Williams on Not Getting a Contract Extension from Celtics: 'it doesn't mean that a deal won't get done in the future'

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