Analysis: Al Horford (sore knee) ruled out against Hawks

Earlier this week, Al Horford popped up on the Celtics' injury report with a sore left knee. With three games looming in the next four nights, team trainers are opting to play it safe with the All-Star big man as Brad Stevens told reporters on Friday morning that Horford is out against the Hawks tonight in what's expected to be a short-term absence.

#NEBHInjuryReport: Brad Stevens says of Al Horford, “I’d say Al is unlikely tonight.” He adds that Horford’s knee soreness is not a long-term thing and Horford could play tomorrow in Dallas. Robert Williams will be active.

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) November 23, 2018