The Celtics-Sixers second round matchup could begin without Jaylen Brown, who’s dealing with a right hamstring strain which he suffered in the second quarter of Boston’s Game 7 win over Milwaukee.
It’s a tricky situation for the Celtics. Keep in mind Boston obviously is without Kyrie Irving and will face a rested Sixers’ team. Boston needs Brown’s offense — he averaged over 20 points against the Bucks — because the rotation lacks a consistent big scorer.
As an emergency situation, Boston will lean more on Marcus Smart, who’s still playing with a heavily-wrapped thumb that required surgery and could also give time to Shane Larkin. However, both are shorter players, and at least one will need to help out on Ben Simmons.
The good news is that the series won’t start for a few days. Here’s Chris Forsberg of ESPN on the latest involving Brown:
Asked about a treatment plan, Brown said, “Massage, rest, ice, all of the above. I hate taking pills. Like, I probably haven’t taken a pill in over 10 years. But they’ve got me taking anti-inflammatories and stuff like that. So just whatever it takes. Because I wouldn’t miss this next series for the world.”
Brown said his hamstring felt “stiff” and “a little locked up,” but he added the pain was nothing he couldn’t tolerate.
The Celtics had announced in the third quarter against the Bucks that Brown was able to return, but coach Brad Stevens erred on the side of caution, particularly as Boston pulled away.
“I was told that if we got in a pinch that he could play. We decided that that was not going to happen,” Stevens said. “With hamstrings, let’s see how he feels tomorrow.”
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