BOSTON -- Following the Celtics' Monday night win over the Miami Heat, Al Horford said he was feeling great.
And one of the main reasons for that has been the ability to provide Horford with “strategic rest” at various points this season.
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We’re apparently at one of those rest stops right now with the team announcing on Tuesday that Horford will sit out and rest instead of playing Wednesday night at home against Cleveland.
By Horford not playing against the Cavs (9-39), who own the worst record in the NBA, Horford will essentially have a week off before Boston hosts two-time defending NBA champion Golden State on Saturday night at the TD Garden.
This will be the 10th game missed by Horford this season, a stretch that included eight in a row due to patellofemoral pain syndrome in his left knee.
Upon his return, Horford played with a minutes restriction.
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But in the past four games, Horford has been essentially allowed to play the kind of minutes he has grown accustomed to.
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And to his credit, Big Al has delivered in a big way in the past four games - all Celtics wins.
In that span, Horford has averaged 17.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.5 assists while shooting 65.9 percent from the field and 50 percent from 3-point range in 31.3 minutes played per game.
With Horford out for the Cavs game, look for Aron Baynes to get the start with Daniel Theis, Guerschon Yabusele and Robert Williams III all likely options for coach Brad Stevens off the bench.
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