But for Jrue Holiday, the diagnosis he received last week was a new one. The Celtics guard missed his second straight game Sunday with “mallet finger” in his right pinky, an injury to the outermost knuckle that prevents a person from straightening the finger.

Boston Celtics' Jrue Holiday (4) shoots against Toronto Raptors' Bruce Brown (11) and Scottie Barnes (4) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) AP

Starting Sunday

Brown’s message didn’t come across as a challenge. It sounded more like encouragement, the words of a caring teammate looking to empower one of his brothers.

Kornet is questionable for Friday's game against Cleveland due to personal reasons, Zack Cox of the Boston Herald reports. Kornet has a chance to end a two-game absence Friday. If the big man doesn't rejoin the lineup,

The Boston Celtics guard could return to the rotation against the Portland Trail Blazers after missing the last few games with injury

Boston ruled out starting Jrue Holiday (rest) and rotation big Luke Kornet (personal reasons) against Toronto. Al Horford (left big toe sprain) was listed as questionable. The 34-year-old Holiday ...

Cleveland leads Boston by 6.5 games but has lost two of the three meetings against the Celtics this season. Boston prevailed at home, 120-117, on Nov. 19 and in Cleveland 112-105 on Feb. 4. The Cavs, who have the best record in the NBA, earned a 115-111 home win against the Celtics on Dec. 1.

The Boston Celtics will look to get back to winning ways on Friday as they prepare to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers, the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.

In his post-game press conference Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla praised the 18-year veteran for his versatility and competitiveness, helping set a standard for the reigning champions.