Al Horford Injury: Boston Celtics Center Won't Play Against Cavaliers Because Of Concussion

Boston Celtics center Al Horford missed Wednesday night’s game because of concussion-like symptoms, and his absence will continue on Thursday.

According to ESPN, Horford will not play on Thursday against the Cleveland Cavaliers because of a “hit to the head” sustained in practice earlier in the week. Horford was unable to play against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, but it turns out they didn’t need him. The Celtics went on to defeat the Bulls at home, 107-100.

"He came to practice -- when he was lifting and shooting, he felt good there. He was cleared to practice and then, when he got into a few drills, then he started feeling some nausea. And so that's why he ultimately was stopped and removed and went home," Head Coach Brad Stevens said.

The 30-year-old Dominican center sign a massive four year, $113 million contract in the offseason. He is scheduled to make $26.5 million in base salary just this season alone. The Celtics are counting on Horford big time to help them get over the hump and finally win the Eastern Conference.

Thankfully for Horford, the Celtics do not have any games on Friday or Saturday. Horford is scheduled to make his return on Sunday against the Denver Nuggets.

The Celtics are currently 3-1 looking up at the 4-0 defending championships at first place in the Eastern Conference. This is the first time that we will see the Celtics and the Cavaliers collide with one another, and although Horford won’t be out there, it will be good to watch the top two squads in the conference go at it. Coincidentally, Horford’s former team, the Atlanta Hawks, are in third place in the standings right behind the Celtics.