While Horford shot the ball reasonably well in Game 6, the veteran center’s impact was muted as Boston lost by 34 points. Horford reached double figures in three of the series’ final four games, providing increased value with Kristaps Porzingis battling an unspecified illness. However, it wasn’t enough to give Boston a shot at winning the series, especially after losing Jayson Tatum to a ruptured Achilles tendon. Horford, who failed to crack the top-100 in fantasy value, will be a free agent this summer. How the front office views the roster after Tatum’s injury will be one of the major offseason storylines in the NBA.

Horford playing 34 minutes on Monday was not uncommon; he played 32 minutes or more in each of the final four games of Boston’s first-round series against Orlando. The difference was that he came off the bench against the Knicks, with Kristaps Porzingis’ illness forcing Horford to play more minutes after halftime. Porzingis, who missed eight games late in the regular season due to an illness, did not return. His health will be a key storyline for Wednesday’s Game 2, with Horford taking on a more prominent role if Porzingis cannot play.

With Jayson Tatum (wrist) unavailable, Horford was inserted into the Celtics’ starting lineup for Game 2. The veteran big was just 1-of-4 from beyond the arc, but he provided solid production in the rebound and assist categories. Boston also received solid contributions from Payton Pritchard, who added 14 points (5-of-11 FGs, 1-of-3 FTs), three rebounds, one steal and three three-pointers in 32 minutes off the bench. If Tatum remains out for Friday’s Game 3, expect Horford and Pritchard to shoulder heavier workloads again.

After suffering a sprained knee during Sunday’s win over the Wizards, Horford missed both games of Boston’s midweek back-to-back. His return coincides with Jaylen Brown’s continued absence, so Horford should be in the starting lineup on Friday.