Al Horford clears health and safety protocols; Will Celtics center return in Game 2 vs. Heat?

Gilbert McGregor

Al Horford clears health and safety protocols; Will Celtics center return in Game 2 vs. Heat? image

Ahead of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Celtics were dealt a few major blows.

Hours before the series opener, it was announced that starting center Al Horford had entered the league's COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Horford has since been cleared for Game 2.

Horford, 35, has turned back the clock during the 2022 NBA Playoffs, posting averages of 13.0 points, 9.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists on .524/.451/.833 shooting splits through Boston's first 11 playoff games. A vintage 30-point performance in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals had a large role in the Celtics advancing to the East Finals.

When will Horford be able to return to the floor? Here is everything you need to know about his status and the NBA's health and safety protocols.

How did Al Horford clear the NBA's Health and Safety Protocols?

With respect to Horford, Wojnarowski added that the Celtics have been testing Horford with hopes of him exiting health and safety protocols.

Yahoo's Chris Haynes provided an explanation of how Horford could return after a positive COVID-19 test:

Horford's return for Game 2 means he either produced two negative COVID-19 tests within a 24-hour period or produced two negative COVID-19 tests on the day of Game 2.

Celtics vs. Heat series schedule

Here is the full schedule for the 2022 Eastern Conference Finals.

Date Game Time (ET) TV channel
May 17 Game 1: Heat 118, Celtics 107    
May 19 Game 2 8:30 p.m. ESPN
May 21 Game 3 8:30 p.m. ABC
May 23 Game 4 8:30 p.m. ABC
May 25 Game 5* 8:30 p.m. ESPN
May 27 Game 6* 8:30 p.m. ESPN
May 29 Game 7* 8:30 p.m. ESPN

*If necessary

Gilbert McGregor

Gilbert McGregor Photo

Gilbert McGregor first joined The Sporting News in 2018 as a content producer for Global editions of NBA.com. Before covering the game, McGregor played basketball collegiately at Wake Forest, graduating with a Communication degree in 2016. McGregor began covering the NBA during the 2017-18 season and has been on hand for a number of league events.