The Boston Celtics are gearing up to face the Indiana Pacers on Monday night at TD Garden - their first clash of the season - but they may have to do it without one of their biggest weapons. Jaylen Brown, who’s been battling an illness, is questionable for the matchup and could be sidelined for a second straight game.
Brown already missed Saturday’s 112-96 win over the Toronto Raptors due to the same non-COVID illness. It was just his second missed game of the season, the first also coming earlier this month - again due to illness. So far, he hasn’t missed back-to-back games this year, but that could change depending on how he’s feeling at tip-off.
The Celtics’ latest injury report listed Brown as questionable, alongside rookie Jordan Walsh, who’s also dealing with an illness. Jayson Tatum, still recovering from a right Achilles procedure, has been ruled out. That puts more pressure on the rest of Boston’s core - and possibly on Brown, if he’s cleared to go.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla will likely make the final call close to game time, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he leans on the side of caution. After all, this is the final home game before Boston embarks on a five-game road trip. With the Celtics sitting in the third seed and the Pacers struggling near the bottom of the East at 6-22, Mazzulla has the luxury of managing minutes and prioritizing long-term health.
Still, Brown’s presence would be a major boost. With Tatum out, he’s been the Celtics’ go-to guy - averaging 29.3 points per game and carrying much of the offensive load. He’s stepped into that lead role with confidence, reminding everyone why he’s a former Finals MVP and one of the league’s most dynamic two-way players.
And historically, Brown has enjoyed playing against Indiana. In 27 career games against the Pacers, he’s averaged 22.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists.
He’s also had some standout performances - including a 44-point explosion last season. Even in their most recent matchup, a 123-114 loss to Indiana to close out 2024, Brown dropped 31 points and dished out six assists.
His first game against the Pacers back in 2016? Just seven minutes and zero points. Safe to say, a lot has changed since then.
Whether he suits up tonight or not, Brown’s impact on this team is undeniable. If he’s available, the Celtics get their top scorer back.
If not, they’ll look to replicate the balanced, high-energy effort that helped them dominate the Raptors. Either way, Boston enters this one in control - but a healthy Jaylen Brown would make that control a whole lot firmer.