NBA
Is Jrue Holiday playing today? Boston Celtics injury report
The Celtics have a 2-0 series lead heading into Game 3, thanks in part to the 33-year-old’s dominant form.
The Boston Celtics have taken a commanding 2-0 series lead over the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals and are boosted by a late fitness call on Jrue Holiday ahead of Game 3.
Earlier on Saturday Holiday was added to the team’s injury report, listed as questionable for the trip to Gainbridge Fieldhouse. However ahead of tip-off the point guard was seen going through his normal pre-match warm-ups on the court and the Celtics confirmed that Holiday will be fit to feature against the Pacers.
Holiday was suffering from a non-covid illness, a recent development after the Game 2 win in Boston. The 33-year-old racked up 28 points in Game 1 of the series and his imposing stature has been a key component of the Celtics’ dominant style this year.
Joe Mazzulla’s team’s physicality has been particularly apparent in the first two games of this series, bullying the smaller Indiana defence to grab easy points around the rim.
Who is injured for the Boston Celtics?
The Indiana Pacers head into Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals needing a victory to kick-start their dreams of a first NBA championship since 1973. With point guard Tyrese Haliburton sidelined due to a reoccurrence of a hamstring issue the task at hand looks difficult. However the Celtics are also without players due to injury.
In addition to the Holiday doubt, Kristaps Porzingis has been ruled out with a right soleus strain, an injury that has now kept him out for ten games. Key role player Luke Kornet is also listed as a doubt due to a left wrist sprain but his absence has not yet been confirmed.
Both players were also unavailable due to injury for the Game 2 victory in Boston. Their absences forced Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla to change his rotations, giving Oshae Brissett greater time on the floor and taking advantage of his greater mobility.