Lady Luck seems to be on the side of the Boston Celtics. A few days ago, the franchise successfully established a 3-0 win record against the Indiana Pacers during the ongoing Eastern Conference Finals. One more win, and they will be heading to the NBA Finals after missing out on doing the same last season. Looking to close up this series as quickly as possible, the Celtics will be hoping to put their best foot forward by making the most use of their currently available roster. Unfortunately, point guard Jrue Holiday may miss out on this pivotal elimination game.

A few hours ago, ‘The Athletic’ reporter Jared Weiss took to his official X account to highlight details from the Celtics’ recently released Injury Report. According to it, power forward Kristaps Porzingis, just like before, continues to occupy the ‘OUT’ category. However, there have also been new additions since the last matchup, as both Jrue Holiday and center Luke Kornet have been listed as ‘Questionable’.

Before the commencement of Game 3, Jrue Holiday was surprisingly listed on the Injury Report due to a ‘non-Covid’ related illness. No further details about the type of illness have been revealed till now. Given the uncertainty of this situation, the player was not expected to be present to take on the Pacers at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse. However, he still made himself available. Along with recording a respectable score, the player also made a last-minute steal that ensured his team’s third consecutive win. Jayson Tatum, the Celtics’ highest-average scorer, had nothing but praise for his teammate’s dedication.

“He was feeling sick this morning,” said Tatum. “He wasn’t even able to come to shoot around. So, for him to come out here and put it all on the line for us and come up with a big play to win…. we got a hell of a team”.

Jrue Holiday himself spoke out in the aftermath of the game. He confirmed that he is still not in his healthiest state and revealed, “I didn’t feel too well. … But it’s Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals, so I wasn’t going to miss this game.” While the future does not guarantee anything, Holiday’s remark assures us that the player will try his best to be present for Game 4.

Luke Kornet developed a sprained left wrist during the first quarter of Game 2. He was later absent from the next game after ESPN reportedly listed him as ‘Doubtful’. After Porzingis was declared out of the matchup, Kornet had received increased responsibilities on the court to lighten Al Horford’s workload. In a situation where he continues to be away, the Celtics may have to rethink some things. However, with his status updated from ‘Doubtful’ to ‘Questionable’, there is some hope.

From the Indiana Pacers side, Tyrese Haliburton continues to remain as ‘Questionable’. A hamstring injury prevented him from being present during Game 3, and his availability for the elimination game remains under a cloud of doubt. Bennedict Mathurin, the other player on the report, has been out since January. Given the surgery he underwent to treat his ailing shoulder in March, the player is not expected to be available for Game 4.

How has Jrue Holiday performed against the Indiana Pacers till now?

Jrue Holiday may not be the leading scorer for the Celtics. However, his contribution during the previous three matchups has gone a long way in helping the Celtics record the 3-0 score.

In the Eastern Conference Finals, Holiday has secured an average score of 19 points, 6.3 rebounds and 7 assists. His shooting percentage has seen much progression since the first two rounds of the playoffs, with him averaging 6.7-11 field goals (60.6%), 2.7-6 three-pointers (44.4%), and 3-3 free throws (100%).

The 28 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists that Holiday made during Game 1 marked his highest score of the season. Game 3 allowed the player to have his own version of Michael Jordan’s ‘Flu-Game’. He dropped 14 points and helped bring the Celtics’ overall total to 114 against their rival’s 111.

“He’s just a winner. Ultimately, that’s what it comes down to—he’s a winner,” said Al Horford after Holiday’s performance in Game 3. “I’m so fortunate to be paying next to him. I don’t take it for granted.”

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