The Boston Celtics' first-round opponent just became more beatable, at least if Al Horford is true to his word.
Horford, out of the Hawks' lineup since tearing his pectoral muscle on Jan. 11, told Yahoo! Sports he is likely to miss the entire playoffs while recovering from the injury.
"I don't feel like it is realistic that I can play for the playoffs," Horford said. "Obviously, if we advance and start going we will see. But as of right now the way I feel I think I am out for the playoffs."
Horford was recently cleared for contact and has played three-on-three games with his teammates. He told the Atlanta Journal Constitution that his body is "supposed to be fully healed, but I'm not all there yet."
The Celtics and Hawks are set to meet in the first round of the 2012 NBA Playoffs. The Celtics have wrapped up the No. 4 seed, but home court advantage is still in the balance.
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