Jaylen Brown is doubtful for Thursday against the Wizards
Boston Celtics star Jailen Brown could miss his first game of the 2025 season after the team listed him as questionable for Thursday’s road game against the Washington Wizards due to an illness other than COVID-19, the organization announced Wednesday.
The 29-year-old is averaging 29.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.1 steals in 21 games, all of which came despite several physical setbacks, including a preseason hamstring strain and recent lower back spasms.
Brown’s potential absence comes immediately after his season-best performance in Tuesday’s win over the New York Knickswhere he scored 42 points, including 33 in the second and third quarters alone. Over his last five appearances, he averaged 34 points, 7.2 rebounds and 7 assists, helping Boston to seven wins in nine games and a 12–9 record.
The team continues to operate without Jayson Tatumwho remains out while rehabilitating a torn Achilles. Brown has taken over as the primary playmaker in Tatum’s absence, leading the offense with increased responsibility and efficiency, shooting 49.9% from the field and 34.7% from deep in 33.4 minutes per game.
If Brown is unable to play Thursday, the Celtics will rely on depth wings to absorb his workload. Options include Jordan Walsh, Josh Minot, Sam Hauser, Hugo Gonzalez and Baylor Scheierman, all of whom contributed when called upon. At least Boston will enter the game healthier in second place. Derrick White (calf) and Nehemiah Keta (ankle) are no longer on the injury report after missing Sunday’s contest against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The matchup itself pits the Celtics against the team with the worst record in the Eastern Conference. Washington enters 3-17, led statistically by Alex Sarr (19.1 points, 8.6 rebounds), CJ McCollum (18 points) and Keyshawn George (15.2 points).
Thursday begins a back-to-back for Boston, followed by a home showdown with the 15-5 Los Angeles Lakers on Friday. The team will continue to evaluate Brown’s health to decide if he can play in that high-profile matchup.
2025-12-03 22:59:00
