Jaylen Brown Injury Update: Celtics Star Expected to Play in First Round of NBA Playoffs

The Boston Celtics are gearing up for a postseason push with cautious optimism about Jaylen Brown’s injury status. 

The Boston Celtics are entering the postseason with championship expectations and, hopefully, a healthy Jaylen Brown.

The All-Star forward has been nursing a bone bruise that kept him sidelined for the final stretch of the regular season. But according to his teammates, things are looking up. During media availability on April 15, veteran forward Al Horford offered an encouraging update, noting Brown looked sharp in practice.

“He looked great today,” Horford said. “I was very happy to see him out there doing everything. It’s a really good sign for us. Jaylen is very strong mentally. He finds a way. He’s out here, putting in the work and trying to get himself ready to go. He understands what’s in front of us.”

Brown’s importance to Boston can’t be overstated. He’s a dynamic scorer, a versatile defender, and one of the team’s emotional leaders. His ability to slash, finish at the rim, and defend top perimeter threats gives head coach Joe Mazzulla a two-way weapon few teams can match.

Al Horford on Jaylen Brown’s knee injury:

“Jaylen looked great today… it’s a really good sign for us.” 👀
pic.twitter.com/IUlv9x45pw

— jb (@lockedupjb) April 15, 2025

Jrue Holiday: “He’ll Be Fine”

If Horford’s update didn’t ease concerns enough, Celtics guard Jrue Holiday added his own vote of confidence.

“I think he’s fine,” Holiday told reporters. “I’m pretty sure if y’all asked him, he’d be fine, too. Whatever it takes to win. We’ve seen people step up all year. I guess supporting him is honestly, whatever he needs. If he needs a break, which, knowing JB, he probably won’t even accept it. But whatever it is, we’ll be there for him.”

Brown’s toughness and will to compete have never been in doubt. Still, playoff basketball is unforgiving, and how the Celtics manage his minutes and workload will be critical — especially in the early rounds.

Should Mazzulla look to protect Brown from aggravating the injury, we could see a slightly altered role. Expect more off-ball action, spot-up shooting, and calculated drives, rather than isolation-heavy possessions that require explosive bursts off the dribble.

Jaylen Brown practiced today in full.

⚡️ by Gametime pic.twitter.com/xLxSBNW5eX

— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) April 15, 2025

Tatum Ready to Shoulder More

If Jaylen Brown isn’t at full strength, it might be Jayson Tatum’s time to take his postseason game to another level. Tatum has embraced a more balanced, playmaking-oriented role in recent seasons, but with Brown possibly limited, he may have to become even more aggressive as a scorer.

Former Celtic and ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins believes Tatum is ready for that moment.

“When I look at what Jayson Tatum has brought to the table,” Perkins said, “and I look at how he has a chip on his shoulder, he’s gonna remind the world — especially with Jaylen Brown not being 100% — of who the hell he is. I think this is the postseason for him to not only go get another championship, but a Finals MVP.”

Tatum, now in his playoff prime, could cement his place among the league’s elite with a dominant postseason showing. With or without a fully healthy Brown, he’s poised to be the engine that drives Boston’s title hopes.

Eyes on the First-Round Matchup

The Celtics will learn their first-round opponent on Tuesday night as the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic face off in the Play-In Tournament. While Boston will be heavy favorites regardless, the team knows every series is a test.

With Brown trending toward full availability, Tatum peaking at the right time, and the Celtics owning the league’s best record, the pieces are in place. Now, it’s about execution — and staying healthy when it matters most.