ORLANDO – Ahead of Game 3 against the Orlando Magic, the Celtics released their injury report, which includes two key starters: Jayson Tatum is listed as doubtful with a bone bruise in his right wrist, while Jrue Holiday is questionable due to a right hamstring strain.
Tatum recently missed his first playoff game in seven seasons after injuring his wrist in Game 1. Although X-rays were negative, an MRI later revealed what head coach Joe Mazzulla called a “severe” bone bruise. Speaking on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s ‘Zolak and Bertrand’ on Thursday, Mazzulla didn’t rule out Tatum for Game 3 but confirmed the injury is more serious than originally thought.
“He’s day-to-day and doing everything he can to return,” Mazzulla said. “He followed all protocols and pushed until the last moment before Game 2. He’ll keep trying because that’s who he is.”
Tatum has rarely missed back-to-back games in his career, doing so just four times.
Meanwhile, Jrue Holiday’s hamstring issue came as a surprise. Though he looked fully healthy during Game 2 playing the entire fourth quarter and contributing across the board he was added to the injury list Thursday afternoon. This appears to be a new development.
No other Celtics are currently on the report. Jaylen Brown continues to play through a bone bruise in his right knee, for which he received treatment and rest leading into the postseason.
If Tatum remains out, veteran Al Horford is expected to keep his place in the starting lineup. Should Holiday also be sidelined, Payton Pritchard or Sam Hauser would likely step in.
The Celtics lead the series 2-0 and will hold a shootaround Friday morning before Game 3.
Be the first to comment