Al Horford looking forward to facing former Celtics with Warriors
al horford will meet the teammates he won a title with when the Golden State Warriors host the Boston Celtics on Thursday, Feb. 19, a reunion made unusual by trades and injuries that left both Horford and Kristaps Porziņģis set to face their former team as Warriors.
The matchup matters now because it is the first time either veteran will play the Celtics since leaving, and it lands with new roster dynamics: Porziņģis is officially questionable for the game while Steph Curry (knee) is out, and the Warriors sit 6. 5 games behind Boston in the standings.
Horford said he is excited to see former teammates and coaches and that his son Ean, who had grown close to the Celtics during Horford’s second stint — regularly sitting near the bench, handing out towels and celebrating the 2024 championship with the team — will get to reconnect as well. Horford also praised the Celtics’ internal development, noting surprising growth from Neemias Queta and Jordan Walsh as key elements of Boston’s season.
Porziņģis described the situation as “weird, ” noting the unexpected path that led him and Horford to face Boston together on the same side. Porziņģis, who is recovering from an Achilles injury and missed time this season, practiced on Wednesday and was pointed toward returning by coach Steve Kerr, though he remains questionable to make his Golden State debut.
Al Horford eager for the reunion
Horford framed the game as both a competitive test and a personal reunion. He emphasized the pleasure of catching up with people he cares about and the balance between competition on the court and friendship off it. He also highlighted how his family has settled into Golden State after early-season struggles and a sciatica injury, and that he views his career year-by-year as he approaches his 40th birthday in June.
He noted the Celtics’ continuity under their coaching staff and singled out the frontcourt evolution that followed Boston’s offseason departures, where loss of established big men opened opportunities for Queta and others to take on larger roles.
Porziņģis’ status and what changes built the matchup
Porziņģis’ move to Golden State came after a trade this month that sent Jonathan Kuminga to another team. He has also dealt with health issues that included POTS last postseason and an Achilles ailment this season that limited his availability. His practice on Wednesday offered optimism for a debut, but he remains listed as questionable for the Thursday game.
With Curry sidelined for the matchup, the Warriors will navigate rotations without their star, while Horford’s presence adds a veteran element opposite the Celtics he once helped lead to a championship.
The teams meet at Chase Center on Thursday, Feb. 19. Porziņģis’ availability will be updated before game time, and Horford is set to play and to reconnect with former Celtics teammates and coaches after the contest.
