Injury Update: Celtics' Tatum And Brown To Play Game 3, Holiday Out

Aria Freeman

4 min read

Post on May 15, 2025

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Tatum and Brown's Game 3 Status

This section focuses on the positive news regarding the Celtics' star duo. Both players are expected to be in the starting lineup for Game 3, providing a much-needed boost to the team.

Jayson Tatum's Recovery

The Tatum injury concern centered around a minor ankle sprain sustained in the previous game. Fortunately, the Tatum recovery has progressed well. He's been cleared to play.

• Coach Mazzulla confirmed Tatum participated fully in yesterday’s practice, exhibiting no lingering effects from his ankle sprain.
• He completed all shooting drills and participated in full-court scrimmages without limitation.
• Mazzulla stated that Tatum is feeling "100%" and ready to contribute at his peak performance level. The Celtics star player is expected to be a key factor in Game 3.

Jaylen Brown's Health Update

Jaylen Brown's status was also a point of concern due to reported hamstring tightness. The Brown injury report, thankfully, indicates a full recovery. The Brown health situation is now positive, confirming his availability.

• Brown's hamstring tightness appears to be fully resolved, allowing him to play at full capacity.
• He also participated fully in practice, showcasing his explosive athleticism and scoring ability.
• The Celtics forward is ready to contribute significantly to the team's offensive output in Game 3.

Jrue Holiday's Absence

This section addresses the unfortunate news about Jrue Holiday's unavailability. His absence will significantly impact the Celtics' backcourt.

Nature of Holiday's Injury

The Holiday injury is a lingering knee issue that has unfortunately flared up again. The Celtics point guard will miss Game 3.

• Holiday will miss Game 3 due to a lingering knee injury. His return date remains uncertain, pending further evaluation.
• The severity of the injury is not yet publicly disclosed, but it's serious enough to warrant his absence.
• Potential replacement players include Marcus Smart, who will likely shoulder a heavier playmaking burden, and Payton Pritchard, who could see increased minutes. The injury report leaves a significant gap in the Celtics' lineup.

Impact on Game 3

This section analyzes the implications of the Celtics injury update on the upcoming game.

Celtics' Lineup Changes

The Celtics lineup will undoubtedly look different with Holiday's absence. Adjustments are inevitable.

• With Holiday out, the Celtics may rely more heavily on Smart's playmaking ability. He'll likely take on a bigger role running the offense.
• Pritchard's minutes could increase significantly, giving him an opportunity to show his capabilities in a high-stakes playoff setting.
• The starting five could see adjustments to account for Holiday’s absence, perhaps featuring a smaller, quicker lineup to compensate for his defensive and offensive contributions. The game strategy will need to be altered.

Impact on Game Outcome

The game prediction remains uncertain, but the Celtics' chances have been impacted.

• The absence of Holiday, a crucial playmaker and defender, is a significant blow to the team.
• The return of Tatum and Brown provides a massive boost to their offensive firepower. However, it will be challenging to replace Holiday's defensive presence and playmaking.
• The Celtics odds remain competitive, but the impact of Holiday's absence on the playoff implications cannot be understated. The next game will be a crucial test for the team's depth and adaptability.

Conclusion

This Celtics injury update reveals that Tatum and Brown are expected to play in Game 3, while Holiday will be sidelined. This will significantly impact the team’s strategy and game plan. The absence of Holiday is a substantial loss, but the return of their two star players should offer some hope for the Celtics. The team's ability to adjust and compensate for Holiday's absence will be key to their success.

Stay tuned for further updates on the Celtics injury situation and analysis of Game 3! Check back for the latest news and in-depth coverage of the Boston Celtics. Follow us for all the breaking Celtics injury updates!