Al Horford’s return to the floor after missing five games of the Celtics’ west coast road trip didn’t last long. Horford was ejected after playing just 15 minutes against the Orlando Magic on Friday night, before picking up a Flagrant 2 foul.

That foul came as Horford and Magic forward and former Celtic Moe Wagner were tied up awaiting an inbound play. Before the ball was inbounded, Horford swung his elbow, hitting Wagner in the groin.

After reviewing the play further, the NBA is now adding a fine to the suspension. The league announced Sunday morning that Horford will be docked $25,000, defining the infraction as “unnecessary and excessive contact.”

This is the 13th fine of Horford’s 16-year NBA career, and his first since getting docked $2,000 for a technical foul in the COVID Bubble in August of 2020. This fine will cost Horford more than his previous 12 fines combined, which added up to $24,000.

Asked about the fine before Sunday’s game, Horford described the play for reporters. “Just getting the ball in-bounds, felt like I was being kneed, kind of shoved in an excessive fashion and I also thought that his arm was trying to hit me too, so I kind of swung with my arm back at him,” he explained.

Horford will be back on the floor with the Celtics on Sunday afternoon, when they take on Orland again and try to avenge Friday night’s 117-109 loss. That game tips off at 3 p.m., with coverage beginning at 2:30 on 105.7 WROR and the Celtics Radio Network.

Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.