Jaylen Brown Faces Injury Concern Ahead of Celtics Season Opener
Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown left the team’s preseason finale against the Toronto Raptors on October 18, 2023, due to tightness in his left hamstring. The incident raises concerns as the Celtics prepare for their season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 22.
Brown’s Performance Before Injury
In the initial minutes of the game at TD Garden, Brown demonstrated a strong performance, scoring seven points, grabbing two rebounds, and making a steal within just seven minutes of play. His early effectiveness suggested he was ready for the upcoming regular season.
However, during a transition play in the first quarter, Brown reached for his left hamstring after delivering a pass. This prompted the coaching staff to substitute him out of the game, and he proceeded to the locker room with team trainers, remaining there for the rest of the night. Early in the second quarter, he was declared doubtful to return.
Coaching Staff’s Updates
Following the game, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla provided an update on Brown’s condition. While he described the situation as concerning, Mazzulla conveyed a level of optimism, stating, “I think he’ll be OK. I just talked to him after, and he said he’ll be fine. But I didn’t get a full update.” This statement, while encouraging, leaves some uncertainty as the Celtics prepare for their upcoming matchup.
With less than a week to recover, the timeline for Brown’s return remains unclear. The 28-year-old swingman is expected to take on a lead role for the Celtics, especially with Jayson Tatum sidelined during his recovery from Achilles surgery.
In previous preseason games, Brown showcased his scoring ability, leading the Celtics with 21 points in their opener against the Memphis Grizzlies. He also contributed eight points, six assists, and five rebounds in a victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, having missed a subsequent game. Last season, he averaged 22.2 points per game, along with 5.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists over 63 regular season games.
Should Brown’s recovery not progress in time for opening night, Coach Mazzulla may consider alternatives such as Chris Boucher or Josh Minnott to join the starting lineup.
As the Celtics gear up for a critical start to the season, the health of their key players will be pivotal in their quest for success.
