Boston Celtics: Jaylen Brown provides right hamstring injury update

A critical Eastern Conference semifinals Game 1 takes place this afternoon as the Boston Celtics host the Milwaukee Bucks at the T.D. Garden.

The Cs will have all of their key players in uniform–unlike the Milwaukee Bucks, who are missing Khris Middleton for the entire second round with a sprained MCL–but there are a few injuries that are worth monitoring this series.

Jaylen Brown’s right hamstring injury is by far the most prominent. That injury kept him out of eight games this past November, with Boston going 5-3 (with two games against Cleveland, and one against OKC and the Lakers each) in that span. If this was the 2020-21 season, that wouldn’t be the worst record in the world. But in 2021-22, there are championship expectations.

Brown doesn’t seem to be worried about it after getting the last week off to rest, due to Boston’s sweep of the Brooklyn Nets. He downplayed the issue and assured Boston Celtics fans he had his proper rest:

"“It was essential to have a couple days off, so credit to us taking care of business so we can have that. I did some tests this week, got some treatment, should be ready to roll. Anytime you’re dealing with a lingering injury, you want to be precautious and careful. But I think I’m OK,. This one is on the lower end of the spectrum, so I’ll be fine.”"

The Boston Celtics need Jaylen Brown to beat the Milwaukee Bucks

Let’s make one thing clear here: the Celtics do not sweep the Nets without Jaylen Brown’s 22.5 points per game, on near 50% shooting.

It’s troubling that Ime Udoka and Brad Stevens both relayed concern that the injury would affect Brown against the Bucks, because without him, Boston is reduced to the shell of a squad that lost in five games to Brooklyn last year.

Let’s hope Brown is being sincere with this injury update and isn’t just being optimistic for Celtics fans’ sanity. He is needed for any serious run to Banner 18 this postseason.