Jaylen

Brown

With Jayston Tatum making his season debut on Friday, the entire Celtics rotation had to work through some things early on. Brown and the other starters may have been a bit too deferential early on, but everyone got more comfortable as the game progressed. Brown finished with a team-high 24 points while shooting over 50 percent from the field and recording an excellent all-around stat line. While he played at an MVP level while Tatum was out, getting his partner in crime back could give Brown’s efficiency a boost.

Tatum is definitely coming back this season, and it seems like Friday is the likely date. It makes sense as a bit of a soft landing spot against a Mavericks team that is already looking towards next season. This return date will be less than 10 months after Tatum had surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon. Payton Pritchard is already coming off the bench, but the big question will be how much usage Tatum takes away from Jaylen Brown, who is having a tremendous season.

Brown finished Wednesday’s defeat with his 13th double-double of the season, more than double his total in 2024-25 (five). However, he was unable to help Boston overcome its 38 percent shooting from the field, as the Hornets won 118-89. Given how well Brown has played overall, it would be unsurprising if he rebounded in a big way when the Celtics host the Mavericks on Friday.

Brown missed Monday’s game against the Bucks, which allowed rookie Hugo González to start in his place. González played well, finishing with 18 points and 16 rebounds, though he will likely head back to the bench with Brown available, eliminating the streaming value he held.

Starting in place of Jaylen Brown (illness), González had the best night of his rookie campaign in Milwaukee. Recording season-highs in points and rebounds, the 6-foot-6 wing finished with his second double-double. Shooting 3-of-8 from beyond the arc, González was also responsible for five defensive contributions. His value in redraft leagues depends on Brown’s availability, while dynasty league managers must continue to roster González.

The Celtics play the second leg of a back-to-back set, and Brown will join Neemias Queta (rest) on the sideline. Brown’s absence should mean additional run for Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard, but Boston will fill in for him by committee.

Brown set the tone early in this one as midway through the first quarter he took off from inside the paint for a dunk that tied the game 12-12. The 29-year-old small forward continues to lead the Celtics with Jayson Tatum (Achilles) sidelined. Brown has scored at least 27 points in three of his last four games. The Celtics have four games in the upcoming week, starting with a matchup against the Bucks on Monday.

While he continues to progress in his recovery, Tatum is not ready to make his first appearance of the season. When, or if, that happens remains unknown. Until then, Jaylen Brown will continue to serve as Boston’s first scoring option.

The Nets hung around until the third quarter, when Boston ripped off a 35-7 run to take control. Boston winning in a rout meant fewer minutes for Brown, who logged 30 on the night. The good news for fantasy managers was that he put up an excellent stat line, shooting 75 percent from the field and recording a complete stat line. The lone issue for Brown was the foul shooting, but the overall production compensates for that. The Celtics host the 76ers on Sunday in their final game of Week 18.

Brown last failed to score at least 20 points in a game on January 5, when he tallied 14 in a win over the Bulls. He kept the streak going on Wednesday, but the Celtics’ wing, and many of his teammates, looked a bit gassed in Denver. The Celtics ended their four-game road trip with a 3-1 record and will face the Nets at home on Friday. As long as he’s healthy, Brown should be in line for a big night.