The Philadelphia 76ers enter the TD Garden in Boston to face the Celtics on Saturday coming off a bad loss to the Atlanta Hawks. They were, however, down two starters in Josh Richardson and Al Horford so the loss can be justified, somewhat.
After missing their game on Thursday due to left knee soreness, Horford will return on Saturday and make his official return to Boston after signing with the Sixers in the offseason. He missed the first game in December due to injury.
“It’s the first time back here,” he said. “It will be a fun game tonight.”
Horford spent three seasons with the Celtics and even though he did not play in the December game, he still received a warm welcome back from the Boston faithful.
“I didn’t know what to expect,” he said. “I was happy with that. A lot of mutual respect from the fans and also, my respect for them.”
Al Horford is available to play tonight #Sixers
— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) February 1, 2020
In his three seasons with the Celtics, he helped guide them to the Eastern Conference Finals twice and was named an All-Star once. So even though it was only for a short period of time, he had some of his best years wearing green.
“A lot happened here in my three years,” he said. “On the court and off the court. Two of my little girls were born here and driving on the way over I was looking up at Mass General (hospital) and going ‘I was there’ so a lot of good memories. All I have are positive memories here in my time.”
The Sixers and the Celtics faceoff at 8:30 p.m. EST from TD Garden. [lawrence-related id=24674,24665,24653]