The Boston Celtics have successfully completed their first goal for the campaign – securing the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference. While their focus will be on preparing for the postseason, the Celtics will also hope to finish the regular season on a good note. So, getting redemption against the Atlanta Hawks, after losing to them on Monday night, will be important to the Cs. For the same, the availability of Jrue Holiday will be crucial.
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After clinching the #1 seed in the East, the Boston Celtics have the privilege of resting several players. So, it isn’t surprising to see a long list of names added to their injury report. Xavier Tillman, Jaden Springer, Al Horford, and Jrue Holiday have all been listed as “questionable”, as per NBA.com.
#NEBHInjuryReport for tomorrow at Atlanta:
Jrue Holiday (right AC Joint sprain) – QUESTIONABLE
Al Horford (left big toe sprain) – QUESTIONABLE
Jaden Springer (left knee tendinopathy) – QUESTIONABLE
Xavier Tillman (left knee swelling) – QUESTIONABLE— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 27, 2024
Holiday being listed as “questionable” is a pleasing update for the fans of the Massachusetts side considering that the two-way guard has missed out on the last five games due to an injured shoulder. During the third quarter of the 17th March clash against the Washington Wizards, the 2021 champ was seen being hit on a screen.
Here’s the play when it happened in the third quarter of last Sunday’s game against the Washington Wizards. Holiday stayed in the game for six minutes after this.
Hopefully some more rest can fix this. https://t.co/jsUR0lcuvb pic.twitter.com/LadKKvXAgD
— Tomek Kordylewski (@Timi_093) March 22, 2024
Fortunately, the injury doesn’t seem to be a serious one. So, even if the 33-year-old were to miss this game, he will be expected to make his return well before the postseason begins.
Jrue Holiday participated in practice on Wednesday
Initially, Jrue Holiday revealed that he was experiencing a “dead arm” after being hit on his shoulder. However, ahead of the contest against the Atlanta Hawks, the 33-year-old revealed that he was significantly better.
“Not a dead arm. I got hit on my shoulder and it felt like my arm went dead. But it’s not a nerve thing or anything. It’s just the part of the shoulder that I got hit in. But my shoulder is fine.”
Jrue Holiday on his sprained AC joint in his right shoulder that has him out tonight in Atlanta: “Not a dead arm. I got hit on my shoulder and it felt like my arm went dead. But it’s not a nerve thing or anything. It’s just the part of the shoulder that I got hit in. But my…
— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) March 25, 2024
The very next day, Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe also reported that the former UCLA Bruin participated in practice.
Jrue Holiday participated in practice Wednesday. Has missed the last five games with a shoulder injury. #Celtics.
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) March 27, 2024
Jrue Holiday, who was a full participant at Celtics practice, gets some deep threes up with Payton Pritchard. pic.twitter.com/UTXR73TM2o
— Noa Dalzell (@NoaDalzellNBA) March 27, 2024
It only makes sense for Joe Mazzulla to have Holiday back in the lineup, well before the playoff begin. Holiday could use this final 10-game stretch to get back in form.
Before being sidelined with injuries, the two-time All-Star was averaging 12.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game, per Basketball Reference. Going ahead, Holiday will definitely play a huge role in Jayson Tatum and co.’s quest to lift the 2024 Larry O’Brien trophy.
