The Boston Celtics released their official injury report Monday night (Feb. 23, 2026) ahead of Tuesday’s road matchup against the Phoenix Suns (9 p.m. ET tip at Footprint Center), and outside of superstar Jayson Tatum (right Achilles repair – out), only one other player was listed: All-Star forward Jaylen Brown (right knee contusion – questionable).
Brown, who’s been the driving force behind Boston’s strong 37-19 record (No. 2 in East) in Tatum’s extended absence, picked up the knee issue during Sunday’s dominant 111-89 win over the Los Angeles Lakers—where he exploded for a game-high 32 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, and elite two-way play. He was seen icing the knee in the locker room postgame, leading to his addition to the report.
CLNS Media’s Bobby Manning noted: “(Celtics) added Jaylen Brown to the injury report with a right knee contusion. He’s questionable to begin the back-to-back tomorrow between Phoenix and Denver. FWIW, he hasn’t rested often in those circumstances.” Brown has been remarkably durable this season, playing in 51 games through early February, posting career-best averages of 29.2 PPG, 7.0 RPG, and 4.9 APG—with 28 games of 30+ points (tied for 10th-most in Celtics single-season history, matching Tatum).
This is a back-to-back situation (Suns Tuesday, Nuggets Wednesday), so load management could factor in despite Brown’s history of playing through such stretches. The Celtics have gone 4-1 in games without him this year, thanks to depth from Payton Pritchard, Derrick White, and others, but Brown’s MVP-caliber form makes him irreplaceable when healthy.
No other Celtics players appeared on the report—no mentions of Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, Payton Pritchard, or anyone else from the rotation. Tatum remains firmly out as he continues rehab from his Achilles tear (suffered in 2025 playoffs), with recent updates hinting at possible late-season return but no firm timeline yet—he’s been practicing with the G League affiliate but prioritizing full recovery.
For context on the Suns side (though not asked), their report is loaded: Devin Booker (hip strain – out), Dillon Brooks (hand fracture – out), Jordan Goodwin (calf – out), Haywood Highsmith (knee – out), Cole Anthony (not with team – out), and Grayson Allen (knee/ankle – questionable).
Celtics Nation: Do you think Brown sits Tuesday to rest the knee ahead of Denver, or powers through like usual? How big a boost would a healthy Brown be for the playoff push? Drop your thoughts below!
English version:
The Boston Celtics dropped their injury report Monday evening (Feb. 23, 2026) for Tuesday’s road game vs. the Phoenix Suns, and besides Jayson Tatum (right Achilles repair – out, ongoing recovery from 2025 playoff tear), the only other name listed was All-Star Jaylen Brown (right knee contusion – questionable).
Brown sustained the bruise in Sunday’s blowout win over the Lakers (32 PTS, 8 REB, 7 AST), icing it postgame. He’s listed as questionable for the Suns matchup, with a back-to-back looming (Denver Wednesday). Per CLNS’ Bobby Manning: “He’s questionable to begin the back-to-back… FWIW, he hasn’t rested often in those circumstances.”
Brown’s having an MVP-level year: 29.2 PPG career-high, 28 games of 30+ points (tied-10th in Celtics single-season history). Boston’s 37-19 without Tatum largely thanks to him—no other Celtics were listed (no White, Holiday, Horford, Pritchard, etc.).
Tatum’s status unchanged—out, with hints of late-season return possible but focused on full health.
Thoughts, Celtics fans? Brown play through it, or rest for the bigger picture?