This much is certain: The Celtics are going to need Holiday at his best come the postseason and that journey through June. Anyone who saw Donovan Mitchell drop 41 points on the Celtics’ heads last Friday — including 26 in the second half — knows that the well-rounded Cavaliers are as legitimate as their 50-10 record suggests.

The Boston Celtics beat the Denver Nuggets Sunday 110-103 while missing two starters, Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. While Porzingis (who has played in 32 of the Celtics ’ 61 games thus far) continues to miss time due to an illness, Holiday has a more complex scenario.

Sitting out Wednesday

Veteran Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday has 'mallet finger' as an injury; should fans be worried? The obscure injury has more than one name depending on the sport, and while not something that will end the UCLA alum's season,

During his Sept. 24 news conference as part of the Celtics media day, Holiday shared some thoughts on what the Celtics can expect and how the Bucks navigated the 2021-22 season. He noted how he's expecting the Celtics to stick to their gameplan and how focusing on blocking out the external noise will be key to them having success.

With Kristaps Porzingis listed as doubtful, the Celtics could use another big performance from Al Horford against Portland.