Jaylen

Brown

Brown was also considered questionable ahead of Game 3 on Friday, ultimately logging 34 minutes. With Jrue Holiday (hamstring) already out, look for Brown to take on his usual role as the Celtics aim to take a 3-1 series lead. If he does not play, Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard would take on expanded roles.

Brown followed up his 36-point explosion in Game 2 of the series with a subpar game Friday. The 28-year-old small forward had 19 points on 14 shots, but turned the ball over six times. He was -8 in 33 minutes in a two-point loss for the Celtics. Brown continues to deal with a knee issue that has bothered him down the stretch of the regular season. He’ll look to bounce back in Game 4 Sunday.

Tatum is returning after missing Game 2 with a wrist injury. It’s a surprising turnaround after the 27-year-old small forward was initially listed as doubtful. Brown has been dealing with a knee injury for some time now, but is available again after his 36-point explosion in Game 2.

Tatum’s status has been upgraded to questionable, giving him a chance to play, though he’s not out of the woods just yet. The 27-year-old small forward missed Game 2 with a right distal radius bone bruise. Al Horford would likely start for Tatum again if he’s ruled out while Payton Pritchard would see increased opportunities. The Celtics would like to lean heavily on Jaylen Brown, who is also questionable with a knee injury.

Brown wasn’t listed on the initial injury report but now has a chance to miss this game. Jayson Tatum (wrist) is once again listed as doubtful, and Jrue Holiday (hamstring) is also questionable, so Boston could be very shorthanded on Friday. Both Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard would be in line to play significant roles if Brown is sidelined.

Tatum missed Wednesday’s Game 2 victory with an injured right wrist, and he appears on track to remain out Friday night. Al Horford moved into the starting lineup, while Tatum’s absence also meant more opportunities for Payton Pritchard. Also, the Celtics will rely more on Jaylen Brown, who recorded a 36/10/5/1 line with five three-pointers in Game 2.

The Celtics were shorthanded for Game 2, as Jayson Tatum (wrist) was unable to play after being injured during the fourth quarter of the series opener. The reigning champs needed Brown to step up, and he answered the call as Boston took a 2-0 series lead. Not only did he record a 30-point double-double, but he did so efficiently, shooting over 50 percent from the field. Even better for Boston was that Brown’s right knee did not appear to give him any difficulty despite logging 42 minutes. That remains something to watch as the turnaround will be quick, as Game 3 is in Orlando on Friday.

In addition to the victory, the good news for the Celtics on Sunday was that Brown’s right knee did not appear to give him any trouble. The time off, with the Celtics’ guard having missed the team’s final three regular-season games, appeared to do Brown some good health-wise. He didn’t have the best afternoon from a scoring standpoint. Still, the improved production offered by Derrick White and Payton Pritchard helped the reigning champs compensate for their three primary scorers having lackluster days. Game 2 is on Wednesday.

It appears to be all systems go for Brown. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla told reporters the 28-year-old small forward had a good week of practice without limitations. Brown missed multiple games towards the end of the regular season and even received pain management injections due to knee pain. Nevertheless, he appears to be full-go for the playoffs.

Brown is practicing after missing Boston’s last three regular-season games. The Celtics forward has been dealing with some knee pain and hopes to return to full health for the playoffs.