UPDATED 7:22pm
BOSTON – Jaylen Brown is out for tonight’s Game 1 matchup against Philadelphia, but it’s not for a lack of trying.
During his pre-game press conference, Celtics head coach Brad Stevens said that Brown was on the phone talking with the team’s trainers and medical staff, presumably trying to convince them to give him the green light to play tonight.
Stevens said Marcus Smart would replace Brown in the starting lineup.
In addition to Smart, Boston’s first unit will consist of Terry Rozier, Jayson Tatum, Al Horford and Aron Baynes.
Brown suffered a Grade 1 right hamstring strain in the second quarter of Boston’s Game 7 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
The injury prevented Brown from returning to action.
Boston Celtics
“He went through stuff this morning, although they cut him short from going through the whole workout,” Stevens said. “He feels a lot better. He’s anxious to play. I think that’s part of the discussion. But obviously, if there are any more tests or discussions then he’ll go out and do whatever he needs to do on the court.”
Brown started all seven playoff games for Boston, averaging 17.9 points per game which was second on the team to Al Horford (18.1).