NBA: Celtics center Horford still out for concussion

Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics drives against the Brooklyn Nets during the first quarter at TD Garden on October 26, 2016, in Boston, Massachusetts. AFP

NEW YORK, United States — Boston Celtics center Al Horford has not shown progress in recovering from a head injury and remains in the NBA’s concussion protocol, coach Brad Stevens said Monday.

Horford has missed Boston’s past three games with concussion-like symptoms after being struck in the head during a workout a week ago.

“He has not advanced in the protocol from what I’ve been told,” Stevens said.

Horford signed a four-year deal worth $113 million in the off-season after spending the past nine seasons with the Atlanta Hawks.

The Celtics are 3-3 this season, 2-1 with Horford and 1-2 without him. Horford averaged 12.0 points. 5.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 2.3 blocked shots before the injury.

Adding to the Celtics’ woes is the absence of big man Kelly Olynyk, idled since off-season shoulder surgery but who was upgraded to questionable before being scratched on Sunday.

The Canadian 7-footer says getting the shoulder in playing shape is the key factor preventing his return.

“Getting closer every day,” Olynyk said. “I can go, but it just gets tired and by the end of the practices, it’s dead.” CBB