Jrue Holiday sidelined: Boston Celtics guard faces indefinite absence with 'dead arm'

Jrue Holiday, the Boston Celtics' guard, revealed to the Boston Globe on Friday that he is grappling with a condition referred to as "dead arm." Since the Celtics' victory against the Washington Wizards on March 17, Holiday has been absent from play, and the timeline for his return remains uncertain. The main approach to his recovery is rest, with the team exercising caution as they approach the end of the season.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla provided limited information but indicated that Holiday's condition is improving. "He's progressing positively," Mazzulla stated. "His overall condition is good, and he's showing signs of improvement."

During the Celtics' victory over the Wizards, Holiday found himself guarding Jordan Poole when he collided with a substantial screen set by Richaun Holmes early in the third quarter. The impact caused discomfort to his arm and shoulder, evident from his immediate reaction. Although he continued playing for a few minutes afterward, he subsequently left the game and has not returned to action since.


Currently riding an eight-game winning streak, the Celtics hold an 11-game lead over the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference and a 6.5-game advantage over the Oklahoma City Thunder for the best record in the league. Consequently, there is no urgency to rush Holiday's return. While he acknowledges the importance of maintaining his rhythm, ensuring his health nears 100% for the playoffs takes precedence. The Celtics are determined to clinch the championship this season, with Holiday playing a pivotal role in their success on both ends of the court.

Holiday's defensive prowess is widely recognized, significantly contributing to the Celtics' second-best defensive rating in the league (110.3). His profound understanding of the game, coupled with his toughness and versatility, enables him to effectively guard various positions. Moreover, he plays a crucial yet underrated role in the Celtics' historic offense, which not only leads the league by a substantial margin but is also poised to become the most efficient offense in history, boasting a 122.3 offensive rating.

Although Holiday's statistical contributions of 12.8 points and 4.9 assists per game may not immediately stand out, his efficiency and ball movement are commendable. He is shooting at a career-high 44.5% from beyond the arc, with an impressive 64% success rate on corner 3-pointers. For the Celtics to claim the championship this season, Holiday's presence on the court in optimal health will be imperative.

Source CBS Sports : Jrue Holiday injury: Celtics guard out indefinitely with 'dead arm' as team being cautious down the stretch