It was friendly fire, a fluke collision with a teammate that will sideline the Boston Celtics All-Star for at least a couple of games — and maybe the All-Star Game itself.
Jaylen Brown is listed as officially out by the Celtics for their game Friday vs. Charlotte due to a facial fracture, and he very well could miss time beyond that.
The injury occurred late in the first half Tuesday against the 76ers, when both Brown and Jayson Tatum went for a rebound and Tatum accidentally caught Brown in the face with an elbow.
Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum collide towards the end of the half and JB heads to the locker room #PHIvsBOS pic.twitter.com/Kf1Yn0Z7pO
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) February 9, 2023
It’s impossible to know exactly how long Brown might be out without knowing more about the injury — which bone or bones are involved, are they displaced, will he need surgery — according to Jeff Stotts at In Street Clothes.
I’ll expand if and when we hear the involved bone but, when looking at all in-season facial fractures, the average time lost for non-surgical cases is ~4 games (~11 days) and doubles if surgery is needed. An associated concussion can also impact recovery.
— Jeff Stotts (@InStreetClothes) February 9, 2023
There are reports that Brown could be out through the All-Star break. The Celtics are already without Marcus Smart on Friday night, and Tatum is questionable. Al Horford could be making his return to the court.
Brown is averaging 26.5 points and seven rebounds a game this season, but the 39-16 Celtics have handled injury absences well all season long. That will be put to the test again.
