Marcus Smart (Right Mid-Foot Sprain), Al Horford (Health and Safety Protocols) Out for Game 1 vs. Heat

Late scratches were a theme for the Celtics in their second-round series against the Bucks. Marcus Smart and Robert Williams were ruled out less than two hours before tip-off for several games vs. Milwaukee.

Unfortunately for Boston, the trend is carrying over to the start of the Eastern Conference Finals. About two-and-a-half hours before Game 1 against the Heat, Al Horford is no longer available for the series opener due to entering health and safety protocols. The Celtics also ruled out Marcus Smart because of a right mid-foot sprain.

#NEBHInjuryReport update:

Al Horford (Health & Safety Protocols) - OUT
Marcus Smart (right mid-foot sprain) - OUT
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 17, 2022

The Horford news is surprising. Especially when considering the Celtics included him in a video they released on social media from their shootaround today.

locked in 🔒 pic.twitter.com/RyCxTaVVHA
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 17, 2022

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Boston's prepared for the likely scenario Horford remains in the NBA's health and safety protocols through Game 2 on Thursday.

Boston is prepared for the likely scenario of Al Horford remaining in the league’s Health and Safety Protocols through Game 2 on Thursday, sources said. https://t.co/QsWWjKDRcq
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 17, 2022

As for Smart, Monday, referring to a play in the first quarter of Game 7 where Giannis Antetokounmpo got fouled as he drove to the rim, resulting in Antetokounmpo crashing into Smart's legs as the latter was in the air, Ime Udoka said: "He took a pretty bad fall. He got bent up. He has a foot sprain. He's pretty tender and sore right now."

Tuesday, Udoka relayed there's still some swelling, and Smart's availability depended on how he reacted to treatment throughout the day.

On a positive note, Robert Williams is available without a minute restriction. As seen in the tweet above, Wojnarowski also provided an update on his progression leading into Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, reporting Williams "had a couple good days of practice and should be able to play significant minutes in Game 1."

Further Reading

A More Mature Celtics Team Ready for Familiar Challenges from Heat in 2020 Eastern Conference Finals Rematch

Robert Williams Available Without Minutes Restriction for Celtics-Heat Eastern Conference Finals

Marcus Smart Questionable for Game 1 vs. Heat Due to Mid-Foot Sprain

Celtics Discuss Bouncing Back From 3-2 Deficit to Get by Bucks: 'I think it will boost our confidence going forward'

Celtics, Grant Williams, Discuss His Epic Game 7-Performance: 'Let it fly; They're disrespecting you more tonight than earlier in the series'

What Stood Out from Game 7: Celtics Pick Ideal Time for Their Best Game of the Playoffs