Please complete verification to access this content.

Click to Verify

The Boston Celtics, who appeared poised for a swift dispatching of the Orlando Magic, now find themselves navigating a more precarious path after a Game 3 stumble in Orlando. The series, standing at 2-1, has been punctuated by a growing concern that transcends mere scoreboard tallies: the specter of postseason injuries has reared its head, casting a shadow of uncertainty over key contributors Jaylen Brown and Jrue Holiday. The latest Celtics injury report has undoubtedly sent ripples of anxiety through their fanbase, prompting a closer examination of the potential ramifications as the series progresses.

What kind of concerns? Well, they’re the same ones every fan agonizes over during the postseason — injuries. And the latest injury report turned in by the Celtics did have some worrying revelations for Celtics fans. So let’s address them as we dive into the injury report.

Boston Celtics injury report – Will Jrue Holiday play in Game 4?

The Celtics’ bet on Jrue Holiday paid off for them in the form of a championship last year. Ever since, he’s been Mr. Dependable for them, locking down opposition attacks like few in the NBA can. He’s someone they can always rely on to hold down their defense or chip in with a few points when no one else can. However, they’ll have to make do without him in Game 4 against the Magic.

Jrue Holiday is listed as OUT on the Celtics’ injury report. What’s keeping him out? Well, that would be a strained hamstring in his right leg. And if you’ve been following this sport for a while, you’ll know that soft-tissue injuries like this are no trifling matter. These injuries tend to linger like that persistent salesman who won’t stop harassing you, as they struggle to meet their daily quota.  As things stand, there’s no established timeline for his return.

But defense isn’t the side of the game where the Celtics might be short-handed in during Game 4. Why? Well, one half of their star duo is on the latest injury report as well. And it’s not Jayson Tatum who suffered a bone bruise in game 1. No, Jaylen Brown is listed on the Celtics’ injury report as QUESTIONABLE with a right knee issue.

If you’ve checked out the Celtics’ injury reports this year, you’ll know that he’s struggled with right knee issues throughout the season. And it seems these issues have popped back up once again at the worst possible time — the Playoffs. However, before you Celtics fans start cursing your luck, you should know that his status remains day-to-day. So, his appearance in Game 4 will be down to what he and head coach Joe Mazzulla decide.

And that’s it for the Celtics’ injury report. It’s not the worst-case scenario for them. However, as mentioned earlier, two of their starters being on the injury report is definitely cause for concern.

Can the Celtics bounce back from the loss in their last game after major injury setbacks?

Let’s cut to the chase. The Celtics’ primary concern heading into this game will be Jaylen Brown. Since they know Jrue Holiday is out, there’s not much to do on that front. However, Joe Mazzulla will be hoping that his medical staff can pull off a miracle and get Brown healthy enough to play in this game.

Beyond that, they’ll need to figure out a way to keep the likes of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner quiet. After all, Jrue Holiday did a lot of heavy lifting in the Celtics’ defense. And even that wasn’t enough to stop Banchero from averaging 32.3 points in this series. So, doing it without him will be an uphill battle for the reigning champions.

However, there is a clear quality disparity when it comes to these teams. Being blunt, the Celtics are simply a much better, more well-rounded team than the Magic. Boston’s defenders can score, and their attackers can defend. Moreover, they know they slipped up in Game 3. “We just got stagnant,” said Jayson Tatum after the loss. “We’ve just got to play with some more pace and movement. That’s when we’re just at our best,” he added. So clearly, this team knows what it needs to do to win.

At the end of the day, the Celtics do have what it takes to win this series. And even without Jrue Holiday, they need to band together and put the right forward as a team. If they can do that, then Game 3 will look like a blip on their radar. But we’ll only find out if that comes to pass when the Magic host the Celtics at the Kia Center for Game 4!