Celtics Receive Unexpected Jaylen Brown Update at Crucial Moment
The Boston Celtics snapped a two-game skid Friday night at TD Garden with a strong second-half push against the Miami Heat. Leaning into a small-ball lineup, Boston outscored Miami 71-58 after halftime and pulled away for a 129-116 win.
Less than 24 hours later, the Celtics head north with a familiar opportunity in front of them. Just like earlier this month, a win over the Toronto Raptors would allow Boston to move up to third place in the Eastern Conference standings.
As the Celtics prepare for that matchup, however, the latest injury report delivered an unexpected twist.
Jaylen Brown’s Status Creates Concern
One surprise was positive. Neemias Queta is not listed on the injury report after taking two hard falls on his lower back in the win over Miami. The seven-footer appears on track to be available Saturday night.
The bigger concern is Jaylen Brown.
Boston lists the four-time All-Star as doubtful due to a non-COVID illness. The timing is unfortunate, especially after Brown delivered one of his strongest performances of the season against the Heat.
Brown played 35 minutes Friday, finishing with 30 points on 9-of-18 shooting. He also went 10-of-11 from the free throw line, grabbed a team-high nine rebounds, and handed out seven assists. His all-around impact was critical to the Celtics’ comeback.
Now, Boston may need to navigate a tough road matchup without its star wing.
The only other player on the Celtics’ injury report is Jayson Tatum, who continues his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon. Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens recently acknowledged that a return this season remains uncertain.
Raptors Also Dealing With Key Absences
Toronto enters the matchup shorthanded as well. The Raptors will be without RJ Barrett, who has missed the past 11 games with a right knee sprain. When healthy, Barrett has averaged 19.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists while shooting over 50 percent from the field.
The Raptors may also be without starting center Jakob Poeltl, who is listed as doubtful due to a lower back issue. Poeltl has historically been a tough matchup for Boston and is averaging 10.1 points and 8.0 rebounds this season.
Compounding the issue, Jonathan Mogbo is currently on a G League assignment, limiting Toronto’s frontcourt depth if Poeltl is unable to play.
The Celtics and Raptors tip off Saturday night at 7:00 PM EST from Scotiabank Arena, with both teams facing roster challenges in what could be a pivotal game in the standings.
