Celtics Prepare for Game 4 Without Holiday, Brown Uncertain

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Boston Celtics will be without guard Jrue Holiday for Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Orlando Magic on Sunday night at the Kia Center. Holiday, who is sidelined due to a hamstring injury, missed Game 3, contributing to the Celtics’ performance that coach Joe Mazzulla described as one of their sloppiest this season.

Jaylen Brown, who has been dealing with a right knee posterior impingement, is questionable for the game. He had previously missed games in the regular season due to this injury and will test his readiness during warmups.

<p“[I’m] taking it one day at a time,” Brown said after being listed on the injury report.

In Game 2, Holiday logged 36 minutes in a victory, scoring 11 points and adding four rebounds and six assists before the hamstring issue arose. His presence in both defense and playmaking has been crucial for the Celtics. “You always want to have your whole team,” Mazzulla said. “But at the same time, you do miss some of that stuff in the playoffs.”

In Holiday’s absence, the Celtics shifted their lineup, employing a double-big strategy with Al Horford stepping in. Despite the adjustments, the Celtics struggled offensively in Game 3, committing a season-high 21 turnovers and facing a collapse in their 3-point shooting.

The Celtics lead the best-of-seven series 2-1 heading into Game 4, set to tip off at 7 p.m. ET. If Brown is unable to play, Derrick White emphasized that the team must adapt quickly. “Everybody has a little bit different role and responsibility on both sides,” White said.

Holiday’s defensive skills had particularly shined against Magic stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, as he made impactful contributions in the first two games. With their playoff future on the line, the Celtics are hopeful they can continue their winning streak even amidst significant injury challenges.