The Celtics will be shorthanded tonight against the Bulls after center Al Horford was declared out as a result of a blow to the head during practice that landed him in the NBA’s concussion protocol program.
A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com reported that Horford was hit in the head during Monday’s practice, was evaluated for a concussion and permitted to return. But when symptoms showed up on Tuesday, he was reexamined by team physicians and scratched from the lineup.
Blakely reports Tyler Zeller or Jonas Jerebko will likely be coach Brad Stevens’ choice to replace Horford in the lineup. The Bulls beat the Celtics in Chicago 105-99 last week, in part by taking advantage of Boston in the frontcourt.
Hereford is averaging 12 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game.
