USA TODAY Sports

On Thursday evening, the Boston Celtics  be in Wisconsin to face off against the Milwaukee Bucks.     

For the game, the Celtics will be without one of their best role players, as Al Horford has been ruled out.   

Via Underdog NBA: "Al Horford (illness) ruled out Thursday."

Horford has played in 31 games (14 starts) and is averaging 7.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.1 blocks per contest while shooting 48.7% from the field and 39.7% from the three-point range. 

The Celtics are the first seed in the Eastern Conference with a 29-8 record in their first 37 games. 

They are 8-2 over their last ten games and most recently beat the Minnesota Timberwolves (in overtime) by a score of 127-120. 

In 38 minutes of playing time, Horford had nine points, eight rebounds and five assists while shooting 3/6 from the three-point range. 

Following the Bucks, the Celtics will return home to host the Houston Rockets on Saturday evening in Boston. 

On the road, they are 11-8 in 19 games, while they are a perfect 18-0 at home. 

As for the Bucks, they are the second seed in the Eastern Confernece with a 25-12 record in their first 37 games. 

They are 5-5 over their last ten games and in the middle of a two-game losing streak. 

Most recently, the Bucks lost to the Utah Jazz by a score of 132-116. 

Following the Celtics, they will stay at home to host Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors on Saturday. 

More on the Boston Celtics can be read here 

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