The Celtics could have a key starter back in the lineup on Thursday night as they look to get back on track in a rematch against the Hawks.
Boston announced on Wednesday that four players would be questionable for the matchup including veteran guard Jrue Holiday. The Celtics have played without Holiday for the past five games as he’s dealt with an AC joint sprain in his right shoulder.
Holiday practiced with the team today in Atlanta and coach Joe Mazzulla told reporters that there is a chance he could return to the floor. Derrick White will also be back in the lineup for Boston on Thursday after missing Monday’s loss with a hand sprain.
Joining Holiday as questionable for Thursday’s contest is Al Horford (toe sprain), Xavier Tillman (knee soreness) and Jaden Springer (knee soreness). Tillman also sat out Monday’s loss with a knee injury so he appears to be trending in the right direction with the upgrade to questionable. Horford and Springer are new additions to the injury report. Horford has dealt with a toe sprain for the past two weeks on and off while Springer saw spot duty in the fourth quarter of Monday’s loss. He also played for the Maine Celtics on Tuesday night, where the knee injury likely cropped out.
The Hawks will be extremely shorthanded again for the matchup with Trae Young, Onyeka Okongwu, Jalen Johnson and Saddiq Bey all expected to be sidelined. The Hawks have also listed Dejounte Murray (sore back) as questionable for their contest Wednesday night against the Blazers in Atlanta. The Hawks will then face the Celtics again at home Thursday night, making them play three games in four nights.
Boston has already clinched homecourt advantage in the Eastern Conference and they hold a six-game lead over the Nuggets for the top spot in the NBA with just 10 games remaining.
The Celtics and Hawks tip off at State Farm Arena at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday night in the final matchup of the year between the two teams.
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