It’s truly impressive that the Boston Celtics have made it this far in the playoffs — let alone that they’re leading their series against the Philadelphia 76ers. The undermanned Celtics have played without Gordon Hayward, Kyrie Irving, and Marcus Smart for significant stretches of time.
Additionally, Boston was without Jaylen Brown for Game One of the second round. Losing Brown, who had emerged as one of the postseason’s biggest breakout stars, was a crippling blow, but Brad Stevens’ squad continued plowing through expectations and overachieving with a 117-101 win at TD Garden Monday.
Moving ahead, the Celtics might get Brown back. The young star is confident he will return for Game Two, according to NBC Sports Boston.
“I’ll be back,” Brown told NBC. “I’m playing.”
The young swingman also lobbied to play in Game One, according to the report, which states that Brown attempted to convince Boston’s medical staff that he was fit to play in the hours leading up to Monday’s game.
His return is not a no-brainer, as rushing him back to the court too early could be a harmful decision in the long-term.
“But there was some concern that I could re-aggravate it and it becomes a season-ending injury,” Brown said. “I’m basically trying to come back in two days from a two-week type injury.”
Brown injured his hamstring in Game Seven of Boston’s first-round win against Milwaukee. He spent the second half of that game riding an exercise bike.
East Outlook
Boston and Philadelphia will square off in Game Two Thursday at 8:30 p.m. EST. The game will air on TNT.
The other Eastern Conference series, No. 1 Toronto versus No. 4 Cleveland, kicks off Tuesday night. That game will air at 8 p.m. EST on TNT. LeBron James said he was “burnt” after the Cavs’ Game Seven win against Indiana, so fans will pay attention to whether he has recovered enough for Cleveland to take this imperative game.
