As the Celtics prepare to face the Warriors on Wednesday, fans are in for an intriguing matchup with some familiar faces on the court. Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis are set to meet their former team, the Celtics, for the first time since their departures last summer.
Horford, who joined the Warriors through free agency, is ready to take on his old squad. Meanwhile, Porzingis, now with the Warriors after a trade from the Atlanta Hawks, is questionable due to a left Achilles tendon injury but seems optimistic about playing.
Both players have had seasons that haven't quite lived up to their usual standards. Horford is putting up 7.6 points and 4.9 rebounds in an average of 20.6 minutes per game.
His shooting percentages stand at 42.9% from the field and 33.8% from beyond the arc. Sciatica issues have limited his appearances to 34 games out of the Warriors' 55.
Porzingis, on the other hand, has yet to make his debut for the Warriors but showed flashes of his scoring ability with the Hawks, averaging 17.1 points over 17 games. Injuries have been a hurdle for him, but he's eager to face his former teammates. In a recent practice, Porzingis hinted at the possibility of playing against Boston, sharing his excitement about the reunion.
The game won't feature all the usual stars, though. The Warriors are missing key players, including Jimmy Butler, who is sidelined for the season with a torn ACL. Seth Curry and Steph Curry are also out, dealing with their own injuries.
On the Celtics' side, Jayson Tatum remains the notable absence as he recovers from a ruptured Achilles tendon. His return is still uncertain, adding a layer of anticipation for Celtics fans.
This matchup promises to be a memorable one, with Horford and Porzingis adding an emotional twist to the clash between these two storied franchises.