Jaylen Brown has been battling through a hamstring strain to start the season. Admirably, from opening night to both halves of a back-to-back and Wednesday's win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, he has been available every step of the way.
"Starting the year off with a hamstring strain was not ideal," voiced Brown after the Boston Celtics suffered a 119-113 loss to the Detroit Pistons, falling to 0-3. "I'm just doing everything I possibly can to be as ready as possible. That's the key. I think I just want to be on the floor every night, if I can be."
Fortunately, while the first two weeks after a hamstring strain have the highest risk of reinjury, it appears that the four-time All-Star is trending in a positive direction.
A day in advance of the Celtics' opening night rematch with the Philadelphia 76ers, the 2024 NBA Finals MVP is not on their injury report. Only Jayson Tatum is listed, as he recovers from a torn Achilles tendon.
Wednesday against the Cavaliers, Brown generated a game-high 30 points, five rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block in Boston's first victory on the TD Garden parquet this season. He logged 32 minutes of floor time in the hosts' 125-105 win.
Now, he aims to help the Celtics build a three-game win streak and reach .500 after an 0-3 start to the current campaign.
76ers unbeaten to start the season
The Celtics travel to "The City of Brotherly Love" for a rivalry clash against a Sixers squad that has surprised many with a 4-0 start to the year.
VJ Edgecombe, the third-overall pick in this year's NBA Draft, and Tyrese Maxey are establishing themselves as not only the franchise's future but what their present may increasingly revolve around.
Edgecombe erupted for 34 points in Boston on opening night. That's the most in a 76ers debut since Wilt Chamberlain registered 43 in 1959, per ESPN. Maxey finished with 40 points, pacing all participants, despite playing much of the fourth quarter with five fouls. The latter had 39 in Philadelphia's most recent victory, a 139-134 win over the Washington Wizards.
The Celtics will again have their hands full trying to contain this explosive young duo that figures to partner in the 76ers' backcourt for years to come.
Friday night's rivalry showdown will tip-off at 7:00 p.m. EST at the Xfinity Mobile Arena.