Al

Horford

Stevens appears to be pointing out the obvious. While Stevens confirmed the Celtics have made an offer to the 39-year-old power forward, it’s no secret that Horford is said to have a robust free agent market and the Celtics remain clouded by uncertainty given Jayson Tatum’s injury. At his age, Horford is more likely to ring-chase somewhere with a better chance of winning the title next year.

Charania’s report indicated there is a lot of “uncertainty” in Boston with Jayson Tatum (Achilles) set to miss at least most of next season. The 39-year-old Horford could opt to sign elsewhere to try and win another ring, since the Celtics may not be able to put together a strong enough team to make that happen this season. Horford would play a significant role if he remains in Boston now that Kristaps Porzingis is in Atlanta. If he chooses to leave, multiple contenders should have plenty of interest.

While Horford shot the ball reasonably well in Game 6, the veteran center’s impact was muted as Boston lost by 38 points. Horford reached double figures in three of the series’ final four games, providing increased value with Kristaps Porzingis battling an unspecified illness. However, it wasn’t enough to give Boston a shot at winning the series, especially after losing Jayson Tatum to a ruptured Achilles tendon. Horford, who failed to crack the top-100 in fantasy value, will be a free agent this summer. How the front office views the roster after Tatum’s injury will be one of the major offseason storylines in the NBA.

Porzingis’ stamina has been an issue this series, with the Celtics’ center coming off the bench and only playing 14 minutes in Wednesday’s Game 2 defeat. Whether he starts or comes off the bench for Game 3 has not been determined. Al Horford would remain in the starting lineup if Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla decides to use Porzingis in a reserve role.

After an illness limited him to 13 first-half minutes in Boston’s series-opening defeat on Monday, Porzingis came off the bench in Game 2. Unfortunately, he could only give the Celtics 14 minutes. Following the game, Porzingis said his current problem may be related to the upper respiratory ailment that sidelined him for eight games late in the regular season. “Probably, probably,” Porzingis said. “I’ve had like ups and downs throughout until this point. Just now, had a big crash. Now, my energy, my everything, hasn’t been good, but who cares? Have to move forward and it will get better from this point.” While Boston’s shot selection was the focus following its two home defeats, Porzingis’ limited availability has also been a factor. He’ll hope to return to full health in time for Game 3 on Saturday afternoon. Al Horford may continue to start, with Luke Kornet playing a significant role off the bench if Porzingis is still dealing with the lingering effects of the illness.

After exiting early from Game 1, Porzingis was made available for Game 2, but he only played a small role off the bench. Al Horford logged 29 minutes as a starter, while Luke Kornet played 18 minutes off the bench. Both bigs played more than Porzingis, who was only on the floor for 14 minutes. He’ll have a few days off before Game 3 on Saturday, which will hopefully be enough time for him to get back to full strength.

Porzingis wasn’t available to finish Game 1, but he was initially listed as probable for Game 2, so his availability isn’t surprising. However, Al Horford will get the starting nod, with Porzingis coming off the bench. Porzingis should still play a significant role as the Celtics look to tie this series up before it shifts to New York.

Mazzulla also noted that Porzingis is feeling better, though the status of both players ahead of Game 2 on Wednesday isn’t fully clear. There should be a better indication in the injury report that will come out Tuesday evening. Al Horford would likely start and take on extra minutes if Porzingis is forced to miss Game 2.

Horford playing 34 minutes on Monday was not uncommon; he played 32 minutes or more in each of the final four games of Boston’s first-round series against Orlando. The difference was that he came off the bench against the Knicks, with Kristaps Porzingis’ illness forcing Horford to play more minutes after halftime. Porzingis, who missed eight games late in the regular season due to an illness, did not return. His health will be a key storyline for Wednesday’s Game 2, with Horford taking on a more prominent role if Porzingis cannot play.

After struggling in the first half of Monday’s series opener, Porzingis was not on the court with his teammates to begin the second half. According to the Celtics, he’s dealing with an illness and is questionable to return. Al Horford started the third quarter and will see his minutes increase if Porzingis cannot return. There will also be more minutes available to Luke Kornet.