🇺🇸 Jaylen Brown Takes Pain Injections Ahead of Celtics’ Title Defense
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BOSTON — The Celtics’ title defense just got a little more delicate.
All-Star forward Jaylen Brown received pain management injections in his right knee this week, league sources told ESPN, as the team looks to promote healing and get him ready for the playoffs, which begin April 19 or 20.
💉 The Injury Update
- Brown has been battling a bone bruise in his knee for some time.
- Recently, the pain intensified, forcing him to sit most of the second half and OT vs. the Knicks on Tuesday.
- He then missed Thursday’s game vs. the Magic, officially disqualifying him from postseason award eligibility (fell short of 65-game minimum).
🗣️ Teammates Weigh In
Kristaps Porzingis, after Tuesday’s game:
“He’s a tough dude. He always preaches his warrior mindset. He lives by it.
But to what extent do we need that right now?
Maybe he needs to take care of it and make sure he’s going to be ready for the most important moment.”
Porzingis’ message? Take the long view. The Celtics need Brown at 100% in May and June — not limping in April.
📊 Jaylen Brown’s Season Stats (2024-25)
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 63 |
| Points | 22.2 PPG (lowest since 2019-20) |
| Rebounds | 5.8 RPG |
| Assists | 4.5 APG (career high) |
🏆 Boston’s Bigger Picture
With 60+ wins on the season and the No. 1 seed locked up, Boston’s eyes are squarely on another championship run. But keeping their stars healthy — especially Brown — is critical.
They’ll face the winner of the Magic-Hawks play-in in Round 1, and Brown is expected to be ready for tipoff.
👀 Bottom Line: The Celtics are being smart with Jaylen Brown.
With Banner 18 in sight, preservation > postseason accolades.
