The Boston Celtics will face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday, and all eyes are on star guard Jaylen Brown. He has been out for the last two games after an impressive performance on New Year’s Eve. While there’s more to do, fans are curious if he will play against OKC or not.
The clouds did not seem clear about his status, and Brown is currently listed as questionable due to a right shoulder strain. His absence has paved the way for Justin Hauser to step into the starting role. However, this will be a game to watch as Boston will be facing one of the toughest opponents.
Brown’s last scoring came against the Toronto Raptors, where he logged 12 points, nine rebounds, and three assists. Additionally, the Thunder are boasting a phenomenal 29-5 record this season. The Celtics will need a strong scoring line as well as an elite defense to outscore Oklahoma.
#Celtics Injury Report vs. Oklahoma City (1/5):
— Justin Turpin (@JustinmTurpin) January 4, 2025
Jaylen Brown – Right Shoulder Strain – QUESTIONABLE
Sunday’s game is expected to be a three-point shooting rally. The Celtics are leading the league in made threes per game at 18.7, while the Thunder consistently hit 13.5. This battle of the long-range shooters promises to be intense, especially considering that the Thunder have won 14 of their last 15 games. The Celtics will need to tap into their impressive road performance, which stands at 13-3, to keep pace with Oklahoma City.
Jaylen Brown Is The Only Celtics In Injury Report
The Celtics are not looking as a weaker opponent against the Thunder. And fortunately, all of their starting lineup is fit and performing well recently. Jaylen Brown is currently the only player listed on the Celtics’ injury report. If he fails to return to the court, this will be the third consecutive game he’s been listed with the injury.
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Road dogs 😤 pic.twitter.com/LFEnYYxMp0
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) January 4, 2025
Coach Joe Mazzulla noted that Brown’s situation is day-to-day, and the team will monitor how he feels before the game. Despite Brown’s absence, the Celtics have been able to secure victories in both games without him on their current road trip.
With Brown potentially sidelined, the Celtics will face a significant challenge against the Thunder, who are on a 14-game winning streak. Al Horford has returned from rest, and Kristaps Porzingis is back in action after recovering from an ankle injury. With these two returns, the Celtics will need to step up their game. They have to be at their best, particularly in defending against Oklahoma City’s MVP candidate, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
