Two key starters could miss the Indiana Matchup

The Celtics are coming off back-to-back losses heading into Friday’s matchup against the Indiana Pacers. While Boston looks to turn things around, they could be without two key players, which will impact them heavily on both ends of the floor.

Both Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis have been listed as questionable on the Celtics’ injury report. Holiday is nursing a right shoulder injury while Porzingis is dealing with a left ankle sprain that forced him to make an early exit in Wednesday’s NBA Christmas Day game against the 76ers.

Porzingis apparently tweaked his ankle in the opening minutes of the game but tried to play through the discomfort. The star center checked into the game with 34 seconds left in the half, but would not return with the team in the second half.

His injury was announced at halftime and he was considered doubtful to return. He still managed to score nine points and dish out three assists in the few minutes he was able to hit the floor.

Should the Celtics be without Porzingis, their interior presence will be greatly affected. He contributes an average of 18.3 points per game. Defensively, he is the team’s best rim protector with an average of 1.5 blocks per game. match.

His offensive ability allows things to open up in terms of spacing for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Unfortunately, this is not the first time his ankle has been injured. He underwent offseason surgery on the same ankle before the start of the season.

As for Holiday, he was also missing from the Christmas Day game against Philly. He has been nursing his shoulder injury since it apparently occurred during Monday’s matchup against Orlando. He was initially listed as questionable until the team officially ruled him out of the contest before tip-off.

Holiday has been a key player on this Celtics roster, averaging 12.2 points per game. battle at the point guard position. He provides high-level playmaking in the backcourt and makes sure the offense runs smoothly.

Not only has he been an asset offensively this season, but he is notorious for his defensive abilities. A renowned perimeter defender, he has the ability and physicality to guard multiple positions.

In Holiday’s absence, we could see Payton Pritchard as the starting point guard. Pritchard has been exceptional off the bench this season, averaging 15.7 points per game. match.

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