Reports: Al Horford is listed out against Phoenix Suns due to health & safety protocols

Al Horford and the Boston Celtics have made a strong start to their 2022-23 NBA season. They are preparing for a heavyweight showdown on Wednesday night against the Phoenix Suns.

The game will be the third game of a six-game road trip for the Celtics. After impressive wins against the Brooklyn Nets and Toronto Raptors, the team will look to keep their momentum going against the Suns.

Boston will be shorthanded on Wednesday night though. According to ESPN NBA reporter Tim Bontemps, veteran big man Al Horford is out Wednesday night due to health and safety protocols.

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Al Horford listed as out for Wednesday night's game against Phoenix Suns

Boston Celtics forward Al Horford at media day

The Boston Celtics have been one of the most dominant teams in the NBA to start the 2022-23 season. The Celtics find themselves at the top of the NBA with an impressive 20-5 record. Boston have won seven of their last eight games and will be looking for their third consecutive win on Wednesday night. Unfortunately, the team will be without Al Horford in one of their toughest matchups.

Horford has continued to be a crucial piece of the roster for the Celtics this year. The 36-year-old veteran has been just what the Celtics need. Boston continues to wait for the return of rising star Robert Williams to the starting lineup. Williams underwent an offseason surgery and is potentially set to return in the next couple of weeks.

While Williams is out, Horford continues to be just what Boston needs in the starting lineup. He's currently averaging 10.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game. Horford is also shooting 53.7% from the field and 46.6% from 3-point range.

Horford hasn't needed to be an offensive force for the Celtics this year. Boston has gotten sensational team play from their entire roster. Not to mention the impressive play of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

In his last 13 games, Horford has averaged 10.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. During that stretch, Horford went on to shoot 57.9% from the field and 53.7% from long-range.

Boston will have to use their rotation to make up for Horford's absence in the lineup. After Wednesday night's game against the Suns, Boston will head to San Francisco. That would mean a rematch of the 2022 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors.