Al Horford clears health and safety protocols; Why Celtics center is playing in Game 2 vs. Heat

Gilbert McGregor

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Al Horford clears health and safety protocols; Why Celtics center is playing in Game 2 vs. Heat image

As the Celtics gear up for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Heat, they'll receive a major boost in the frontcourt.

Al Horford, who entered the NBA's COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols ahead of Game 1, has been cleared to return to action ahead of Game 2.

Through 11 games in the 2022 NBA Playoffs, Horford has posted averages of 13.0 points, 9.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists, including a vintage 30-point performance in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. In Horford's absence, the Celtics lost to the Heat by 11 points in Game 1. t

How has Horford been cleared after less than 48 hours in health and safety protocols? Here is why the five-time All-Star will be active for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

MORE: The latest on Marcus Smart's status for Game 2

Why Celtics' Al Horford can play in Game 2 vs. Heat

On Tuesday, May 17, Horford entered health and safety protocols as a result of a positive test for COVID-19.

As outlined by Yahoo's Chris Haynes, a player can return within five days of a positive COVID-19 test if they produce two consecutive negative PCR tests that come 24 hours apart or if they produce two consecutive negative tests on game day, an amendment that went into effect on April 30.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Celtics had been continuously testing Horford for COVID-19 with the hope of him producing the required negative tests to return to action.

Horford being upgraded from doubtful to available within a span of 24 hours means that he has produced the number of negative tests necessary in order to return to the court.

Celtics vs. Heat schedule, TV channels

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

Date Game Time (ET) / Result TV channel
May 17 Game 1 Heat 118, Celtics 107 ESPN
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.