Injuries Loom Large for Celtics Ahead of Crucial Game 3 in Orlando
As the Boston Celtics prepare to head south for Game 3 of their first-round playoff showdown with the Orlando Magic, the reigning NBA champions are facing serious uncertainty surrounding two of their most critical pieces.
According to Justin Turpin of WEEI, Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday are both dealing with injuries that could keep them sidelined for Friday night’s tilt in Florida. Tatum, who missed Game 2 with a distal radius bone bruise in his shooting wrist, has been upgraded to doubtful. Holiday, nursing a right hamstring strain, has been downgraded to questionable. That’s a sharp turn from earlier in the week — and not the kind of momentum Boston was hoping to carry into enemy territory.
Despite their absences, the Celtics hold a commanding 2-0 lead in the series, thanks in part to a gritty 109-100 Game 2 win that showcased their depth and resilience.
Still, the stakes will only get higher on the road. And if Tatum and Holiday remain out, head coach Joe Mazzulla will have some tough lineup decisions to make.
Who Steps In?
Replacing Holiday at point guard could fall to recently crowned Sixth Man of the Year Payton Pritchard, who brings energy and scoring off the bench. But at 6’1″, his defensive shortcomings could be a liability — especially against Orlando’s rangy backcourt. Mazzulla may look to offset that by turning to bigger wings like Sam Hauser, Baylor Scheierman, or even veteran forward Torrey Craig for more defensive versatility.
As for Tatum, expect Al Horford to slide back into the starting frontcourt. The 37-year-old big man has logged plenty of postseason mileage and can still space the floor and defend multiple positions. Horford, a five-time All-Star himself, brings poise and leadership, especially valuable if Boston’s stars can’t go.
Holiday’s Tough Year
Holiday’s hamstring issue is the latest addition to a laundry list of ailments. The two-time All-Star has quietly dealt with a rare mallet finger injury all season, yet he’s toughed it out while still providing strong perimeter defense and timely buckets.
He’s averaging 10.0 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds in the postseason so far — and even threw down a rare dunk in Game 2, a reminder that he’s still got bounce in his legs when needed.
Tatum’s Mixed Playoff Start
Tatum, 27, has been a model of consistency when it comes to playoff availability — until now. Game 2 marked his first-ever postseason absence. While he struggled offensively in Game 1 (17 points on 8-of-22 shooting), he hauled in 14 rebounds and contributed across the board with four assists, one steal, and one block.
The Celtics’ title hopes hinge on Tatum returning to form, but perhaps more importantly, returning to the court.
Can Boston Hold the Line?
With the series shifting to Orlando and the Magic desperate to avoid a 3-0 hole, Game 3 will test the Celtics’ depth and toughness. If Tatum and Holiday sit, Boston’s role players will need to step up again — something they’ve done all season en route to a league-best 61-21 record.
Championship teams survive adversity. The Celtics may be about to find out just how much they can handle.
