Celtics

Celtics’ Jrue Holiday says he’s experiencing ‘dead arm’, unsure when he’ll return to play

“I’m feeling something, for sure,” Holiday told The Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach.

By Kaley Brown

March 22, 2024

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Jrue Holiday has missed the top-seeded Celtics’ last three games due to a right shoulder sprain. The guard gave a discouraging update regarding his injury Friday.

Holiday told The Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach that he’s experiencing “dead arm.” 

“I’m feeling something, for sure,” Holiday told Himmelsbach.

Dead arm syndrome can be caused by repeated throwing motions, an injury that pitchers in baseball sometimes experience. The injury can be characterized by symptoms such as arm fatigue, inability to throw with force, and numbness, according to HealthLine.

Holiday suffered his shoulder sprain versus the Washington Wizards last Sunday. A Wizards player set a screen on Holiday’s right side, leaving the Boston starter in visible pain. He grabbed his shoulder and hung his head down for a few seconds before jumping back into the play.

The 33-year-old told Himmelsbach that he is being treated by the team’s medical staff while he heals up. However, simply resting is what Holiday is focusing on doing to recover, according to Himmelsbach. 

Holiday noted that he is not sure when he will return, but he is feeling better and wants to play soon, per Himmelsbach.

Since being traded to Boston from the Portland Trail Blazers last October, Holiday has played a vital role in the Celtics’ success this season. The 33-year-old NBA veteran has started all 61 games he’s played in, missing just nine contests all year.

While Boston has consistently found ways to win without one or more of its regular starters this season, whether that be because of injuries or rest, the team surely does not want to see Holiday sidelined for long. Especially considering that the player is experiencing an arm ailment with 12 regular season games remaining.

Holiday is a major cog in Boston’s revamped defensive unit this year, averaging 5.4 rebounds, 0.9 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game.