Boston — April 14, 2025
Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla confirmed Sunday that star forward Jaylen Brown will sit out the final two games of the regular season as he continues to recover from knee discomfort — but emphasized the 27-year-old will be fully fit and available for the playoffs.
Brown, who has been dealing with pain in his right knee for over a month, received pain management injections earlier this week. He did not play in Friday’s win over the Charlotte Hornets and will also miss Sunday’s regular season finale.
“Just part of the rehab process for him to get back to be his absolute best,” said Mazzulla.
“He knows exactly where he’s at. He knows where he needs to get to in order to be at his best for what matters most.”
Brown to Miss Award Eligibility Threshold
By missing Sunday’s game, Brown will fall short of the NBA’s minimum games played threshold for postseason honors. As a result, he is now ineligible for All-NBA and All-Defensive Team consideration this season.
Mazzulla dismissed any concern about that, noting the team’s top priority is long-term health and postseason readiness.
“The most important thing is trusting him,” Mazzulla added.
Boston’s Defensive Anchor Returns for Playoffs
Brown played a vital role in Boston’s 2023 championship run, serving as the primary defender on elite scorers throughout the playoffs. With Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, and Derrick White all in rhythm, Brown’s return will add crucial two-way balance as the Celtics prepare to defend their title.
He’s expected to return to the lineup for Game 1 of the first-round series, which begins next weekend at TD Garden.
Looking Ahead
- Injury status: Knee discomfort, undergoing treatment
- Playoff availability: Expected to play in full capacity
- Season stats: 22.2 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 4.5 APG (career-high assists)
- Games played: 63 (short of 65 minimum for awards eligibility)
Bottom line: The Celtics are prioritizing health over hardware. Jaylen Brown’s regular season is over — but Boston expects their Finals MVP to be at full strength when the real campaign begins.
