The Boston Celtics have been one of the biggest surprises of the 2025-26 NBA season, climbing to the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference despite dealing with a major setback for a majority of the season. With Jayson Tatum sidelined due to an Achilles injury, the responsibility of carrying the team fell squarely on Jaylen Brown, and he delivered.
Brown has put together one of the most complete seasons of his career, consistently leading the Celtics on both ends of the floor. He has recorded 33 games with at least 30 points this season, the third most in the NBA, including a recent 31-point, 8-rebound, 8-assist performance against Oklahoma City on Wednesday. His scoring bursts, improved playmaking, and leadership have been central to Boston’s rise in the standings even without their franchise cornerstone for much of the year.
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Brown is currently averaging 27.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game, emerging as the Celtics’ primary offensive engine and a legitimate MVP candidate.
Following Boston’s recent win over Oklahoma City, Brown was nursing a calf injury and was subsequently listed as questionable on Thursday, creating some uncertainty around his availability heading into Friday’s matchup.
However, Boston fans were dealt disappointing news hours before Friday’s game against the Atlanta Hawks. The Celtics announced Brown has officially been ruled out for the matchup due to a left Achilles tendinitis injury, dealing a blow to a Celtics team looking to solidify its seeding with the regular season winding down.
With Brown sidelined, Boston will now have to lean heavily on Tatum, who is set to play just his 10th game of the season following his return from an Achilles tear earlier in March. While Tatum has shown flashes since returning, averaging 19.1 points, 9.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists, he is still working his way back into full rhythm.
Boston’s depth has helped carry them through adversity all season, but Friday presents another significant test. Without their leading scorer available, the Celtics will need Tatum and the supporting cast to step up once again as they continue their push toward the postseason.
