Al Horford Injury Update: Hawks Forward Says He Could Miss Celtics Postseason Series

Injured Atlanta Hawks forward Al Horford doesn't expect to play again this season, which damages the team's hopes of making any noise in the playoffs.Atlanta has the Boston Celtics in the first round and not having Horford is going to make difficult to get past the aging, yet well-playing Celtics squad.

Horford told Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports that it's not realistic that he will make a return to the Hawks' lineup.

"I don't feel like it is realistic that I can play for the playoffs," Horford said. "Obviously, if we advance and start going we will see. But as of right now the way I feel I think I am out for the playoffs."

Many experts feel that the Hawks' chances rely heavily on the health of Horford. Head coach Larry Drew had this to say about Horford's mere presence:

"Just his presence alone would give this team a big lift," coach Larry Drew said. "His presence on the floor would be humongous. Him on the bench in a uniform would be humongous."

Read more about the Hawks at Peachtree Hoops.