With 12 games left in the season, the Celtics have all but locked up the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. Leading the second-placed Bucks by 11 games, Boston can afford to rest their ‘six starters’ periodically — Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, Al Horford and Derrick White — and still secure home court for the entirety of the postseason.
At least one among that core six could remain sidelined with a mysterious injury. Holiday missed his third consecutive Friday after suffering a sprained right shoulder last Sunday. The injury occurred when the defensive ace was hit on a screen during a road victory over the Wizards.
The play Jrue Holiday’s “dead arm” likely came from. #Celtics pic.twitter.com/t6lMyxmyjs
— The Celtics Files (@CelticsFiles) March 23, 2024
After Boston’s 129-102 win over Detroit on Friday, Holiday told Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe that he’s dealing with a “dead arm” and there’s no timetable for his return to the court.
“I’m feeling something, for sure,” Holiday said, noting that his absence was about more than “simply being cautious.” However, he did express optimism about returning before the end of the regular season.
“I still want to play,” Holiday stressed. “That’s part of the reason I play basketball. But it’s also keeping rhythm. Sometimes when you’re out for a long time you break rhythm, but I feel like I’ve been in a good groove and I want to continue to play.”
New: Jrue Holiday told the Globe he's experiencing "dead arm" after being hit on a screen last week. He hasn't been given a timeline for his return, but wants to get back soon to keep his rhythm.
"I'm feeling something, for sure."https://t.co/pCWoXM94gk
— Adam Himmelsbach (@AdamHimmelsbach) March 22, 2024
To the Celtics’ credit, they’ve been effective in managing their players’ injuries. After missing five games with hamstring tightness earlier this month, Porzingis told reporters he would have returned sooner if the stakes were higher.
The Celtics will likely be extra cautious with Holiday’s shoulder injury. The only member on the roster with a championship ring, the veteran guard is much too vital to Boston’s quest to banner No. 18.
Boston could run into Damian Lillard, Tyrese Maxey, Jalen Brunson and Donovan Mitchell in the playoffs. Granted, All-NBA defender White will be a handful to deal with for all those star guards, but Holiday’s presence amplifies Boston’s chances to get timely stops in clutch moments. Who could ever forget his incredible steal in Game 5 of the 2021 NBA Finals?
