The mystery of how Al Horford wound up in the NBA's Covid Health and Safety Protocols might be solved.
According to longtime Celtics reporter Steve Bulpett, Horford was tested and listed as a close contact of several members of the team's support staff who tested positive for Covid earlier this week.
"Tuesday we got the news, and then subsequently got tested again and again and was able to get cleared," Horford told reporters after the game. "Just definitely a lot of emotions, and through all of it, I just tried to stay locked in, do my part as best I could. I'm happy that I was able to be out there with the guys tonight."
We still don't know whether Horford tested positive, though that would seem to be the case. He was listed as "doubtful" earlier Thursday before getting cleared to play a couple of hours before tip-off.
But then again, Horford obviously tested negative Thursday. Perhaps he was positive a couple of days before undergoing his first test earlier in the week.
The NBA updated its Health and Safety protocols in January to say that players would only be tested for Covid if they were experiencing symptoms or recently exposed to an infected person. Bulpett reports that Horford is vaccinated.
"We continue to consult with doctors, infectious disease specialists, and epidemiologists on COVID-19 cases that arise and are prepared to do what is necessary to keep our teams and players safe and healthy," an NBA spokesperson told Bulpett.
Horford played 33 minutes Thursday and went 4-for-4 from the field. He finished with 10 points and three rebounds.
