The Boston Celtics are rightfully the heavy favorite to come out of their first-round series with the Orlando Magic; however, as Game 3 approaches Friday night, the Celtics have injuries on their mind, Jayson Tatum being one player affected by one ailment himself. Despite Tatum sitting out due to a wrist injury, the Celtics managed to get past the Magic on the back of Jaylen Brown‘s 36-point performance and Kristaps Porziņģis‘s split-open forehead. While the Celtics are built to withstand a starter or a star sitting out a game due to injury, what happens if those injuries turn into two starters? That is the reality Boston might face Friday night in Orlando.
Celtics Injuries Could Give Magic Edge in Game 3
Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday Injuries could leave the Boston Celtics undermanned in Orlando
There aren’t many NBA teams who can survive without one-half of their superstar tandem. Then again, not many teams in the league have a superstar tandem, save for a few. Boston has that luxury with Brown and Tatum, and they have already experienced a playoff game without one: Tatum. He missed his first-ever postseason game on Wednesday night, but the Celtics still pulled out a 109-100 victory. With no disrespect to Orlando, Boston can beat them shorthanded. For instance, if this were Cleveland or Oklahoma City, Boston might have a tougher go if Tatum was on ice. Orlando doesn’t pose the threat that those two teams do, though, making Tatum’s injury situation a little more breathable for head coach Joe Mazzulla.
According to the Celtics, Tatum is listed as doubtful for Game 3, with a right distal radius bone bruise, but he’s not the only starter in question. Jrue Holiday has also been listed on Boston’s injury report. He is listed as questionable with a right hamstring strain. If Holiday can’t go, the Celtics will be down two starters, and as important as Tatum is to Boston’s repeat championship aspirations, Holiday is no lesser.
Injury Report for tomorrow at Orlando:
Jrue Holiday (right hamstring strain) – QUESTIONABLE
Jayson Tatum (right distal radius bone bruise) – DOUBTFUL— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 24, 2025
Can Orlando steal a game at home?
Losing two key starters is more to think about as opposed to just one. If Orlando is going to steal a game in this series, Game 3 on their home floor might be it. Would that jeopardize Boston’s chances of winning the series? No, it doesn’t. However, winning one game and avoiding getting swept is the best-case scenario the Magic can hope for. They’re returning home with the home crowd on their side; that’s already an advantage. A Celtics team in enemy territory without Tatum and Holiday is another advantage. If Orlando wants to make this series respectable, Friday night is a prime opportunity.
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