The Boston Celtics will be without Jrue Holiday for a second straight playoff game as they battle the Orlando Magic in Sunday’s pivotal Game 4, with Jaylen Brown’s status hanging in the balance until tipoff. Holiday, sidelined by a right hamstring strain, leaves a glaring defensive void after Boston’s Game 3 collapse in Orlando
Brown, listed as questionable with right knee posterior impingement, played through pain in Friday’s 95-93 loss despite dislocating his left index finger during the game The All-Star forward received knee injections earlier this month and has logged heavy minutes this series, including 42 in Game 2
Why Holiday’s absence stings:
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Defensive anchor: The six-time All-Defensive guard’s physicality and playmaking were missed in Orlando’s gritty Game 3 win
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Playoff experience: Holiday’s championship pedigree and clutch shooting (1. PPG this season) remain irreplaceable
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Backcourt strain: Derrick White must shoulder added ball-handling duties alongside Payton Pritchard
Jayson Tatum, who overcame a wrist injury earlier in the series, is fully available after scoring 28 points in Game 3 The Celtics lead the series 2-1 but risk losing home-court momentum if Orlando evens it Sunday night
Tipoff approaches with Boston’s championship repeat hopes resting on Brown’s balky knee and a Holiday-less backcourt.
