Celtics will be without Jaylen Brown Friday night against Clippers
By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com
As the Celtics’ west coast road trip continues, so do their injury issues. Per the team’s injury report released Friday afternoon, they’ll be without Jaylen Brown (left knee soreness) when they visit the Clippers Friday night.
Brown injured his knee in Wednesday’s loss to the Kings. Running ahead on a fast break, Brown landed awkwardly and came away from the play walking gingerly. He did finish the game however, which is a positive sign that his absence Friday may be more precautionary than anything else.
Through the early stages of the 2020 season, Brown has been Boston’s most consistent player. He’s one of only two Celtics to play in all 20 of the team’s games (Daniel Theis), and is second on the team in scoring with 26.4 points per game. During stretches without Jayson Tatum (COVID) and/or Kemba Walker (knee), he’s been a steadying presence.
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There was good news in Friday’s injury report as well. Rookie guard Payton Pritchard will make his return, after missing six games with a sprained MCL. Pritchard’s hot start saw him heavily feature in the point guard rotation, and he was playing 20 minutes per game before he got hurt.
His return is much needed given Marcus Smart’s calf injury and Kemba Walker’s rest schedule. On Wednesday, the Celtics’ point guard rotation featured just Jeff Teague, Tremont Waters, and Carsen Edwards.
Friday night is the third game of Boston’s five game road trip. Tip off is scheduled for 10:00 p.m., with pregame coverage starting at 9:30 on 98.5 The Sports Hub.
Click here for 98.5 The Sports Hub’s complete coverage of the Celtics.
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at [email protected]