The Boston Celtics are gearing up for a Wednesday night showdown against the Charlotte Hornets at home, and there’s big news out of Beantown regarding star forward Jaylen Brown.
Fresh off a dominant 108-81 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in Wisconsin, the Celtics are riding high. In that game, Payton Pritchard stepped up in a major way, leading the team with 25 points, four rebounds, and nine assists. He shot 10/23 from the field and 5/10 from beyond the arc in 34 minutes of action.
But the spotlight is on Jaylen Brown, who sat out the last game due to an illness. The good news for Celtics fans: Brown is not listed on the injury report and will be available for Wednesday’s matchup. As Underdog NBA reported, “Jaylen Brown (illness) not on injury report for Wednesday.”
Brown is enjoying an outstanding season, averaging 29.0 points, 7.1 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 48.2% from the field and 34.9% from three-point range across 54 games. Now in his 10th season—all with the Boston Celtics—the All-Star continues to be a cornerstone for the team.
Keith Smith of Spotrac provided further context on the injury front: “Jayson Tatum (out) is the only player on the Celtics injury report for tomorrow’s vs the Hornets. Jaylen Brown and Neemias Queta are both off the injury report and available to play.”
The Celtics enter the game as the second seed in the Eastern Conference, boasting a 41-20 record through 61 games. They’ve been on fire lately, winning eight of their last ten contests and currently on a three-game winning streak.
Adding to Brown’s impressive resume, @KalshiHoops highlighted his efficiency in a key stat: “NBA Most PPG Without FTs This Season: 24.4 — Luka Doncic 23.9 — Anthony Edwards 23.6 — Tyrese Maxey 23.6 — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 23.5 — Jaylen Brown 23.3 — Donovan Mitchell 22.3 — Steph Curry 22.1 — Nikola Jokic 22.1 — Kawhi Leonard 21.8 — Jalen Brunson.”
After facing the Hornets, the Celtics will stay home for their next game on Friday night against the Dallas Mavericks. At home this season, Boston has been formidable, posting a 20-9 record in 29 games.
On the flip side, the Charlotte Hornets come in as the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference with a 30-31 record in 61 games. They’re heating up, though, with a four-game winning streak and victories in seven of their last ten outings. Before taking on the Celtics, the Hornets will host the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night.
With Brown back in the lineup, the Celtics look poised to extend their momentum in this Eastern Conference clash. Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting night in Beantown.