Celtics to be Without One Starter For Game 3

The Boston Celtics will be without their key starter for Game 3 against the Orlando Magic.

The Cektics have ruled guard Jrue Holiday out due to a right hamstring strain. The team shared the news via X.

Holiday entered Friday listed as questionable due to his hamstring issue. Less than an hour before tip-off, the Celtics agreed that sending him on the court for this match was not the smart move.

In place of Holiday in the starting lineup will be veteran forward Al Horford. The Celtics will roll out a starting lineup of Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Horford, and
Kristaps Porzingis.

Holiday logged 36 minutes in Game 2 of the series on Wednesday, but he'll sit this matchup due to a hamstring problem.

The Celtics are expected to be cautious with their veteran guard, and his absence could prompt adjustments to the starting lineup. Still, with Tatum back after missing Game 2 due to a wrist injury suffered in Game 1, Horford will continue to start alongside Porzingis, giving Boston a two-big frontcourt look.

Holiday will now shift his focus toward a potential return in Game 4 on Sunday.

Despite being favored in the series, Boston faces a tough challenge. The last time the Celtics secured a win at the Kia Center, home of the Magic, was in October 2022. Nearly three years have passed since they last came out on top in Central Florida, and they'll look to end that drought in Game 3.

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Holiday has struggled with his fair share of injuries throughout the regular season. Still, he managed to average 11.1 points per game, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists while shooting 44.3 percent from the field.

As for the postseason, Holiday has done a reasonable job, averaging 10.0 points in two games, 2.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists while shooting 46.7 percent from the field.

The Magic have posted a 31-21 record against teams in the Eastern Conference. They rank at the bottom of the league in assists per game, averaging just 23.0, with Franz Wagner leading the way at 4.7 dimes per contest.

As for the Celtics, they've gone 39-13 against Eastern Conference foes and have found success in tight matchups, boasting an 8-3 record in games decided by a single possession.

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