Warriors’ Al Horford Set for Christmas Day Return Against Mavericks
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SAN FRANCISCO — Golden State center/forward Al Horford has been cleared to play in Thursday’s Christmas matchup with the Dallas Mavericks, ending a stretch of seven straight absences caused by right sciatic nerve irritation.
The Warriors upgraded the 39-year-old to available earlier today, according to a report from Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. Head coach Steve Kerr had indicated on Wednesday that Horford was on track to suit up.
Health issues have limited Horford to 13 appearances in the Warriors’ first 30 games. He is averaging 5.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 21.5 minutes, all career lows, while shooting 38.1 percent on two-point attempts (8-for-21) and 29.8 percent from beyond the arc (17-of-57).
The five-time All-Star shifted into a supporting role late in his career and helped Boston capture the 2024 NBA title before signing a two-year, $11.7 million contract with Golden State this summer that includes a player option for 2026/27.
Kerr said Horford will come off the bench tonight. The Warriors will keep their recent starting five of Stephen Curry, Moses Moody, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green and Quinten Post, ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported.
Source: Hoops Rumors
