After dropping two straight to the Bucks and Pistons, the Boston Celtics bounced back in a big way - taking down both the Miami Heat and the Toronto Raptors on a tough back-to-back. And they did it with a notable wrinkle: no Jaylen Brown in the lineup for the Raptors game. That’s no small feat, considering the level Brown’s been playing at this season.
Let’s put it in perspective. Brown has been on an absolute tear, putting up 29.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and five assists per game while shooting a clean 50% from the field.
Those are MVP-type numbers, plain and simple. He’s been the engine behind Boston’s offense and a tone-setter on both ends of the floor.
So when he missed just his second game of the season due to a non-COVID illness, it was a legitimate test for the Celtics - and they passed it.
Fast forward to Monday’s injury report, and there’s some good news for Celtics fans: Brown has officially been upgraded to available. He’s back in the mix, and that’s a major boost as Boston gears up for a matchup with the Indiana Pacers.
Injury Report Update:
- Jaylen Brown - Available (Illness)
- Jayson Tatum - Out (Right Achilles Repair)
- Jordan Walsh - Questionable (Illness)
While Brown is returning, the Celtics will still be without Jayson Tatum, who remains sidelined as he continues his rehab from the Achilles tear he suffered during last year’s postseason. That injury has kept him off the court since the 2025 playoffs, and Boston has had to adjust without their All-NBA forward.
Rookie Jordan Walsh is also listed as questionable with a non-COVID illness, adding another layer of uncertainty to the rotation. But the Celtics have shown they can handle adversity - that win over Toronto without Brown and Tatum was a statement.
Now they turn their attention to the Pacers, who are dealing with some star-power absences of their own. Indiana has been without Tyrese Haliburton since he tore his Achilles in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. Without their floor general, the Pacers have struggled to find consistency, and Boston will look to capitalize.
Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, and with Brown back in the lineup, the Celtics are hoping to keep the momentum rolling.