Celtics' Horford, Smart miss Game 1 vs. Heat
Boston Celtics big man Al Horford and guard Marcus Smart missed Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals versus the Miami Heat.
Horford is in health and safety protocols, while Smart was sidelined for Tuesday's series opener in Miami with a right mid-foot sprain.
Grant Williams and Derrick White started in the pair's absence.
Meanwhile, Heat guard Kyle Lowry missed his third straight contest with a hamstring injury.
Horford was expected to be the primary defender on Bam Adebayo. The veteran center is averaging 13 points, 9.4 boards, 3.4 assists, and 1.4 blocks over 11 postseason appearances. He went off for a playoff career-high 30 points in the Celtics' Game 4 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
Horford will probably stay in the league's health and safety protocols through Game 2, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Robert Williams, who missed the last 10 days due to left knee soreness, stepped up in Horford's place, posting 18 points, nine boards, and two blocks in 28 minutes of action.
Smart sustained the foot injury during Sunday's series-clinching victory against Milwaukee, and an MRI reportedly returned clean. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year is averaging 15 points, 6.2 assists, and 1.1 steals across 10 playoff games.