The Boston Celtics have dropped a bombshell just ahead of their highly anticipated Sunday matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves at TD Garden: star forward Jaylen Brown has been added to the injury report.
Coming off a strong 117-112 win over the Memphis Grizzlies—where he delivered 30 points, six rebounds, and six assists on 10-of-23 shooting (including 2-of-5 from three) in 38 minutes—Brown is now listed as probable with a left quad contusion.
According to Noa Dalzell of CelticsBlog: “Jaylen Brown is probable for tomorrow’s game with a left quad contusion. Nikola Vucevic remains out. Jayson Tatum continues to be available for Celtics.”
The probable designation strongly suggests the 2024 NBA Finals MVP will suit up and play against the Timberwolves, despite the bruise (likely picked up during Friday’s intense performance). Brown has been a model of durability this season, appearing in all 63 games to date and showing no signs of missing time recently.
In what has been another stellar campaign for the former Cal standout, the 29-year-old is averaging 28.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.0 steals per game across his 10th NBA season (all with Boston). He’s shooting 47.9% from the field and 34.3% from three-point range, while earning his fifth All-Star selection.
The Celtics enter the contest as the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference with a solid 47-23 record through 70 games. They’re riding a four-game winning streak (7-3 in their last 10) and boast a strong 24-10 home mark at TD Garden. After hosting Minnesota, Boston stays home to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves sit as the No. 6 seed in the West at 43-28 through 71 games. They’ve gone 5-5 over their last 10 and hold a 19-15 road record. Following the Boston clash, Minnesota returns home to host the Houston Rockets on Wednesday.
While the quad contusion adds a layer of intrigue and caution for Celtics fans, Brown’s probable status means the team should have its dynamic wing duo of Brown and Jayson Tatum fully available—setting the stage for an explosive Eastern vs. Western Conference showdown at TD Garden.