Stevens: Horford Likely Out Vs. Mavs, Hope To Have Him Back Sooner Rather Than Later

BOSTON (CBS) -- It doesn't sound like the Celtics will have Al Horford back Wednesday night when they host the Dallas Mavericks, but signs are pointing to a return in the near future.

Wednesday will mark the eighth game that Horford will miss after suffering a concussion in practice back on October 31. Horford returned to the practice floor last week but has experienced lingering symptoms, as head coach Brad Stevens told 98.5 The Sports Hub's Zolak & Bertrand on Wednesday afternoon.

"After he got back on the court, he has experienced some symptoms at different times. He's felt a lot better the last few days and had a great workout this morning. Hopefully we're sooner rather than later," Stevens said of Horford's status. "My guess is he's out tonight; that was my understanding yesterday. But hopefully sooner rather than later."

Stevens said the Celtics' primary focus is on Horford getting completely healthy so there won't be any other concussion problems down the line.

"It's so important to the player's health to make sure these are not lasting issues," said Stevens. "In all sincerity, we'll figure the basketball stuff out. You feel responsible when you put a guy back in the game. I want to be 110 percent sure that he feels great, the doctors say he feels great and he's completely clear."

Stevens also touched on the Celtics play as of late, their rebounding struggles and how they can improve, and the wonderful dessert his wife brought in to Zolak & Bertrand on Tuesday. Listen to the full podcast below: