Golden State Warriors center Al Horford (20).
Golden State Warriors center Al Horford (20).
Al Horford has been in and out of the lineup for the Golden State Warriors this season. Injuries have prevented the five-time All-Star from being a consistent contributor for the team in his first year with Golden State. Horford has missed 14 out of the Warriors’ 27 games this season. He’s sat out eight of their last nine games and has been out of action for four straight contests.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr spoke to reporters on Tuesday and provided an update on the 39-year-old veteran. Horford is currently dealing with a back injury, but Kerr shared a positive development about the NBA champion big man.
Golden State Warriors Al Horford
Golden State Warriors Al Horford
After spending the last four seasons with the Boston Celtics, Horford entered free agency this past summer. He opted to join the Warriors, signing a two-year, $12 million contract. In 13 appearances for Golden State this term, the former All-NBA center has produced averages of 5.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.0 blocks and 1.3 triples in 21.5 minutes per contest.
Horford has dealt with multiple injuries this season, but it has been a back injury that has kept him out of late. The good news, however, is that the tested veteran is now close to returning to action.
Kerr told reporters on Monday that Horford’s back injury has healed and he is now back on the court, per Anthony Slater of ESPN. Kerr confirmed that Horford is nearing his return and has been upgraded to doubtful for Thursday’s game against the Phoenix Suns.
The doubtful tag means that Horford is likely heading toward his 15th missed game this season. Nevertheless, this is still a positive development in terms of his imminent return to action.
The Warriors enter Thursday’s road game in Phoenix with a 13-14 record. They are in dire need of a win after suffering back-to-back losses, including Sunday’s disappointing 136-131 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.