Celtics' Horford, Williams, Warriors' Poole in protocols

Boston Celtics center Al Horford Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Celtics' Al Horford, Grant Williams, Warriors' Jordan Poole placed in health and safety protocols ahead of game

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 12/17/21

The Boston Celtics are scheduled to host the Golden State Warriors on Friday night. As of late Friday morning, at least three players won't be taking part in the contest due to the NBA's COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

Celtics’ Al Horford and Grant Williams have entered health and safety protocols and are out tonight vs. Warriors.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 17, 2021

Golden State’s Jordan Poole has been listed as out in the league’s Covid protocols.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 17, 2021

The Celtics are 14-14 and in a virtual tie in the Eastern Conference standings with the Washington Wizards (15-15), Philadelphia 76ers (15-15) and Atlanta Hawks (14-14). The Warriors are currently tied with the Phoenix Suns for the best record in the NBA at 23-5.

Horford -- in his first year back with the Celtics -- has played in and started 24 games, averaging 12.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.5 blocks and 29.6 minutes per contest. Williams is in his third NBA season -- all with Boston -- and has played in all 28 games, making nine starts.

The Tennessee Volunteers product is averaging career-highs in points (7.5), rebounds (3.4) and minutes per game (22.1).

Poole has spent all of his two-plus professional seasons with Golden State and is having by far his best year thus far. The 22-year-old guard has played in and started all 28 contests, while averaging career-highs in points (17.9), rebounds (3.4), assists (3.4) and minutes per game (30.7), while posting a career-best field goal percentage of .442.

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