Al Horford says it’s not realistic for him to be back for playoffs

Center Al Horford does not expect to return from a pectoral injury for the playoffs, Yahoo! Sports Marc Spears reports via Twitter.

Horford, who’s been out since Jan. 11, told Spears, "I don't feel like it is realistic that I can play for the playoffs. 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." The Celtics are the Hawks' first-round opponent.

Horford’s statement to Spears marks a change of heart from him telling reporters on Sunday that there was a chance he’d be back for the Hawks’ regular-season finale against the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday.

Asked to gauge his chances of playing in the playoffs on a scale of 1 to 10, Horford responded, per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “I would say a 7. I really want to play. I don’t know if it’s the smartest thing for me physically but I want to be out there and I feel like it’s realistic.”

With Zaza Pachulia also out with a foot injury, the Hawks went with a small lineup against the New York Knicks on Sunday. In fact, their only two active centers—Erick Dampier and Jason Collins—did not play, both listed in the box score as ‘DNP COACH'S DECISION.’

Forward Josh Smith said when Horford left, “It changed matchups and what we could do down the stretch of games.”