Joe Mazzulla Updates Celtics Starter’s Status Against Knicks

The Celtics begin their series against the Knicks on Monday, but a key starter might be a game-time decision.

Boston faces New York in the Eastern Conference semifinals, marking the first time the Atlantic Division rivals face off in the postseason since 2013. The C’s will have four days of rest by the time Game 1 kicks off, which will allow key players to rest.

The Celtics beat the Orlando Magic in five games in the first round without Jrue Holiday for the final three tilts of the series. Joe Mazzulla told reporters Friday that the veteran remains day-to-day with a hamstring injury.

“He’s getting better every day, doing whatever he can to make sure he puts himself in position to come back as fast as he can. He’s working hard,” Mazzulla said, per CLNS Media’s Bobby Manning.

Boston showed it didn’t need Holiday to close out the Magic, and the same could be true against the Knicks, whom the Celtics beat in all head-to-head regular-season meetings. Holiday would help make things easier, but Mazzulla’s side also knows it needs the two-time All-Star healthy if it wants to repeat as NBA champions.

The 34-year-old likely will warm up at TD Garden before tipoff Monday before the coaching staff determines if he’s fit to play Game 1.