The Boston Celtics have taken a bit of damage in the absence of Jrue Holiday. However, he isn’t the only injury that’s detrimental to the team’s progress over the next couple of weeks. The Celtics have been steadily maintaining their position atop the Eastern Conference with a record of 13 wins and 4 losses. However, the upcoming game is a must-win In-Season Tournament matchup.
bringing back the new court tomorrow 🔥 pic.twitter.com/fAqxUpZS2v
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) November 28, 2023
Their opponents for the night will be the Chicago Bulls. They rank dead last in the In-Season Tournament East Group C rankings with a 0-3 record. However, their struggles have also reflected majorly on their regular season stint so far. The Bulls have not been able to crack through despite having three All-Stars on the roster. It is a major problem for the Bulls moving ahead into the 2023-24 season. This game will be hosted by the Celtics at the TD Garden.
Jrue Holiday is listed as questionable for the Celtics vs. Bulls game
Jrue Holiday last played against the Milwaukee Bucks over a week ago. After enduring an ankle injury, the veteran has been ruled out for the last two games already. Unfortunately, he is set to miss out on his third straight game. Derrick White is listed as probable despite facing an illness. He was available for shootaround as well. Kristaps Porzingis will be re-evaluated in a week according to coach Joe Mazzulla.
Joe Mazzulla provides an injury update on Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday pic.twitter.com/jEvJsWI6KF
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) November 27, 2023
Aside from Lonzo Ball, who isn’t expected to return this season, the Bulls may have a few key pieces listed out. Zach LaVine is currently dealing with a foot injury. He has been listed as questionable despite being present at shootaround this morning. Alex Caruso was also present for shootaround but is still questionable against the Celtics.
Boston Celtics Injury Report:
- Derrick White (Probable)
- Jrue Holiday (Questionable)
- Kristaps Porzingis (Out)
Boston Celtics Expected Lineup:
- Payton Pritchard
- Jaylen Brown
- Sam Hauser
- Jayson Tatum
- Al Horford
Chicago Bulls Injury Report:
- Zach LaVine (Questionable)
- Alex Caruso (Questionable)
- Lonzo Ball (Out)
Chicago Bulls Expected Lineup:
- Coby White
- Jevon Carter
- Patrick Williams
- DeMar DeRozan
- Nikola Vucevic
Will the Celtics overcome the Bulls without Jrue Holiday?
Having Jrue Holiday on the roster has been a massive boost for the Celtics this season. He has been one of their best defenders, especially at the guard position. While Jrue’s absence won’t stagger the Celtics as much, Porzingis’ will. The Latvian star has been excelling on both sides of the court averaging 18.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. This is in addition to two 20 points-per-game scorers in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. However, a few pieces from the bench are more than capable of filling in the gaps.
Teaching the ways. (via @ChicagoBulls) pic.twitter.com/ZhoabTrZao
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) November 26, 2023
The Bulls have simply got to get their act straight. Their lack of chemistry has affected them tremendously and players are clearly frustrated with how things are going. On paper, the Bulls barely come close to what the Celtics can produce even with Porzingis. Thus making this an easy matchup for the Celtics to add another win to their overall record.