Celtics' Horford, Crowder return to lineup

The Boston Celtics are finally getting healthy.

Al Horford and Jae Crowder are both back in the lineup Saturday night against the Detroit Pistons.

Horford missed the last nine contests while recovering from a concussion suffered early in the season during a team practice. He'll reclaim his starting spot at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

The team's big free-agent acquisition recorded 12 points, 5.3 boards, 3.7 assists, and 2.3 blocks in three games before being sidelined. The Celtics were 2-1 with him, and below .500 in his absence.

Crowder has been out with an ankle injury suffered during the fourth game of the campaign.

Marcus Smart is also slated to suit up in Motor City after leaving Friday night's loss to the Golden State Warriors with a left ankle contusion.

The return of the three key players should help the 6-6 Celtics, who "gave up" against the Dubs, according to Isaiah Thomas.