Boston Celtics fans got some unexpected news ahead of their Friday home game against the Cleveland Cavaliers—starting guard Jrue Holiday was ruled out due to a finger injury. While any injury to a key player is concerning, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla quickly reassured everyone that this wasn’t a long-term issue.
What Happened to Holiday?
The team officially listed Holiday’s injury as a "right hand mallet finger," sometimes referred to as "pitcher finger." According to the Cleveland Clinic, this is a fairly common sports injury that occurs when the tendon at the tip of the finger is strained or torn. The healing process can take several weeks, but it’s not necessarily something that will keep a player out for an extended period. In fact, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Lu Dort has been playing through a similar issue in his pinky this season, proving that it’s manageable with the right treatment and pain tolerance.
Mazzulla’s Reassurance
Despite the injury affecting Holiday’s shooting hand, Mazzulla doesn’t see it as a major setback. The coach described Holiday’s status as "day-to-day" and emphasized that the veteran guard is simply dealing with some discomfort. "When he can manage the pain, he’ll be ready to play," Mazzulla told reporters. That’s definitely a relief for Celtics fans who may have feared a more serious situation.
Not His First Injury This Season
At 34 years old, Holiday has already had to sit out games this season due to a shoulder injury. Even with those absences, he has remained a crucial part of the Celtics' lineup, contributing significantly on both ends of the floor. The team has still performed well in his absence, posting a 9-3 record heading into Friday’s game against Cleveland.
No Lingering Concerns—For Now
The good news? There’s no indication that this is something that will keep Holiday sidelined for an extended stretch. While he may miss a few games to ensure proper healing, there’s no real sense of panic within the Celtics organization. This injury appears to be more about pain management than any structural damage.
Looking Ahead
With the Celtics in a strong position in the standings, they can afford to be cautious with Holiday’s return. After all, they’ll need him healthy for the bigger battles down the stretch. If history is any indicator, expect to see Holiday back on the court sooner rather than later, ready to make an impact once again.
So, while it’s never fun to see a key player sidelined, Celtics fans can take a deep breath—Jrue Holiday’s injury doesn’t seem like a major roadblock in the team’s pursuit of success this season.
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