The Boston Celtics are preparing for a crucial Game 4 matchup against the Orlando Magic on Sunday night, with the series currently hanging in the balance. As they look to either take a commanding 3-1 lead or find themselves locked in a 2-2 tie heading back to Boston, the team has issued an important update regarding the status of two of their key players.
According to the Celtics’ official announcement on Saturday, Jaylen Brown is listed as questionable with a right knee posterior impingement. Meanwhile, Jrue Holiday has been ruled out for the contest due to a right hamstring strain. Holiday had already missed Game 3 with the same injury, and Sunday will mark his second consecutive absence from the lineup.
Holiday, a two-time NBA Champion, was a reliable contributor throughout the regular season, averaging 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. His defensive prowess and playoff experience are assets the Celtics will surely miss as they attempt to bounce back after a tough loss in Game 3.
Speaking of Game 3, the Orlando Magic successfully defended their home court, fueled by outstanding performances from their young stars. Paolo Banchero scored 29 points, while Franz Wagner led the team with 32 points, pushing the Magic to a much-needed victory. Their efforts helped narrow Boston’s series lead to 2-1 and raised the stakes heading into Game 4.
Jaylen Brown, who is now questionable for Sunday’s game, played a solid role in Game 3 despite the loss. He contributed 19 points, six rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block. Brown was efficient from the field, shooting 7-of-14 overall and 1-of-2 from beyond the arc during his 34 minutes on the floor. His potential absence in Game 4 would be a major blow to the Celtics, who rely heavily on his scoring ability and defensive tenacity.
This series carries high expectations for the Celtics, especially after the historic 2023-24 season that saw them capture their first NBA Championship since 2008 — the era of legends like Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. As the reigning champions, Boston entered the postseason with a target on their backs and aspirations of repeating their success.
With Holiday already ruled out and Brown’s status uncertain, Boston will need other players to step up. Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, and Kristaps Porziņģis could see expanded roles, and the team will likely lean heavily on their depth and defensive prowess to counter the Magic’s youthful energy.
The question remains: Will the Celtics push through adversity and leave Orlando with a 3-1 series lead? Or will the Magic ride their momentum to even the series at 2-2 and send it back to Boston with everything up for grabs?
Fans won’t have to wait long to find out. Tip-off for Game 4 is set for 7:00 PM ET on TNT. With playoff intensity rising and injuries mounting, tonight’s matchup promises to be a pivotal chapter in what’s shaping up to be an exciting first-round series.