BOSTON -- Boston Celtics big man Al Horford sprained his right wrist in the first quarter of Friday’s preseason opener against the Charlotte Hornets and will sit out Sunday’s rematch in Boston, but said the injury in minor.
"Much better,” Horford said of the wrist before Sunday’s rematch with the Hornets. "Not good [enough] to play today but I should be fine by the next game.”
Celtics coach Brad Stevens does not believe the injury is serious.
"He’s feeling a little bit better as we inch towards game time but won’t play,” Stevens said before Sunday’s game. "Say a wrist sprain -- I don’t know exactly the level -- but it doesn’t sound like it’s a -- it’s not going to cut into any of the early part of the season. He’s going to see our doctor and we’ll get final word on that.”
Stevens said Horford doesn’t remember how he hurt himself but soreness lingered throughout the first half of Friday’s game and the team held him out of the second half. Horford’s wife, Amelia, posted a video on Saturday showing Horford sporting a wrap over his right wrist.
If tests confirm only a minor sprain, Stevens believes there’s a chance Horford could play as early as Tuesday’s visit from the Cavaliers.
"There’s a chance, I’d say, he probably could play on Tuesday, based on what we know so far,” said Stevens.
The Celtics will move Aron Baynes into the starting lineup for Sunday’s game. Boston will also get back Marcus Smart, who missed the exhibition opener due to personal reasons.
Stevens said minutes for his starters should be similar to Friday’s opener though he might play them for an extra stint as they ramp up.