Prior to tomorrow’s matchup with OKC Thunder, Joe Mazzulla has provided yet another significant injury update for one of his best players.
When the Celtics play the Thunder on Tuesday night, they will be fully healthy as Jrue Holiday has been taken off the team’s injury list. With a sprained elbow, Holiday missed Sunday’s victory over the Spurs. Without the veteran guard, the Celtics still defeated the Spurs handily, winning handily against a San Antonio team that had five wins, and garnering a lot of praise from Gregg Popovich.
They are a team capable of winning a title. That is their purpose and objective, which they have demonstrated once more. Popovich told reporters in San Antonio, “It’s an incredible team.” Joe performs admirably with them. They are obviously gifted, possessing All-Star caliber talent, as well as grit, execution, and a never-ending improvement. For our group right now, that presents a significant challenge.
With Holiday back, two of the hottest teams in the NBA will square off on Tuesday night in Oklahoma City. With four straight road victories, Boston has the best record in the NBA (26-6). The Thunder, on the other hand, have shocked the Western Conference by starting the season with a 22-9 record that includes four straight victories. They are fully healthy. In the standings, they are just 1.5 games behind the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are ranked first.
Holiday’s defensive matchup upon his return will be difficult as he and Derrick White attempt to contain Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is averaging more than 31 points per game. With his ability to guard the rim and shoot three points, rookie Chet Holmgren will also present a special challenge for Boston’s frontcourt.
The final game of Boston’s road trip between the Celtics and Thunder tips off on Tuesday night at 8 p.m. ET.
