Jrue Holiday, who has missed the last two games of the Celtics’ first-round series against the Orlando Magic due to a strained right hamstring, will remain out for Game 5 on Tuesday, the team officially announced today.
The Celtics struggled without Holiday in Game 3, falling to the Magic in Orlando on Friday. However, they managed to bounce back with a 107-98 win in Game 4 on Sunday, regaining momentum and taking a commanding 3-1 series lead.
In Holiday’s absence, veteran Al Horford has stepped into the starting lineup, while Sam Hauser has seen an expanded role coming off the bench.
The Celtics have leaned heavily on their core stars, with Jayson Tatum and Derrick White each logging at least 39 minutes in both Games 3 and 4, and Jaylen Brown playing 41 minutes in Sunday’s victory.
There is some concern regarding Brown’s availability for Game 5, as he is officially listed as questionable with a posterior impingement in his right knee, according to the team.
Nevertheless, Brown carried the same questionable status before Games 3 and 4, only to play heavy minutes in both contests. Based on that pattern, it would be somewhat surprising if he were to sit out Game 5.
Should Boston close out the series with a win on Tuesday, they would secure a longer rest period before the start of their second-round matchup – valuable time that could aid Holiday’s recovery and improve the Celtics’ overall health moving forward.
Jrue Holiday To Remain Out For Game 5 https://t.co/PWCvZ9GIV2 pic.twitter.com/YemxosIzHN
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) April 28, 2025
