BOSTON — Prior to this season, Celtics star Jayson Tatum called a meeting of their "six starters," mostly to ensure everyone was cool with whoever would be left out of the starting five. Sixteen years into his NBA career, Al Horford accepted the reserve role, knowing his No. 42 would still be called when needed.
And Horford is needed, now more than ever, as Kristaps Porziu0146u0123is has been diagnosed with a right soleus strain, which cost the starting Celtics center Wednesday's first-round, close-out win over the Miami Heat.