Celtics injury report: Big man downgraded vs. Nets

The Boston Celtics will go into their Friday night matchup against the Nets without key big man Al Horford, who has been ruled out due to a right knee injury

Horford has struggled so far this season, averaging only 5.0 points per game on 35 percent shooting from the field. He has also seen reduced minutes and been primarily used in a bench role for five of the team’s first seven games

Given that Horford sat out all back-to-back games last season, it’s possible that the Celtics are managing his injury by resting him on Friday, with the team also playing on Saturday against the Raptors. This strategy may be similar to how they handle Kristaps Porzingis’ playing time due to his plantar fasciitis

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In addition to Horford, the Celtics will also be without big man Neemias Queta, who has missed the last week of games due to a foot injury

The Nets will also be shorthanded, missing Nic Claxton and Cam Thomas due to injury for the NBA in-season tournament matchup. Cam Johnson is questionable for the game

The Celtics and Nets are set to tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday night at TD Garden

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