The Celtics could be without Jaylen Brown when they begin a four-game road trip against the Indiana Pacers on Monday night. Brown is listed as doubtful to play due to low back spasm after playing 43 minutes — and the entire second half — in Saturday’s 100-95 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. If he does sit, it will be the first time Brown is sidelined due to injury this season; he’s missed two games this season, but both were due to illness.
The Celtics star’s potential absence is notable, as he is averaging 29.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. Brown has the second-highest usage rate in the Eastern Conference and has emerged as an early MVP candidate.
In addition to Brown, the Celtics will also be without Josh Minott, who will miss his fifth straight game with an ankle sprain. Sam Hauser is questionable with right hamstring tightness that held him out of last night’s game. And, Jayson Tatum continues to be sidelined as he recovers from a ruptured Achilles tendon.
The Celtics are 2-0 against the Pacers this season
The Celtics and Pacers have squared off twice already this season, with the Celtics emerging victorious both times. But, in both games, the Pacers built early leads, only to watch the Celtics claw back and ultimately come away with wins.
The Celtics and Pacers are both dealing with the Achilles bug; Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton is sidelined for the season with an Achilles rupture, while Jayson Tatum continues to eye a return this season. Outside of that one commonality, both teams have had quite different experiences so far this season.
The Celtics have the third-best record in the Eastern Conference at 24-13, while the Pacers have the East’s worst record at 8-31. But, after a 13-game losing streak, they’ve won back-to-back games against the Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat.
The Pacers have been led by Pascal Siakam (23.6 points, 6.8 rebounds per game), Bennedict Mathurin (17.8 points, 5.5 rebounds), and Andrew Nembard (17.6 points).
The game between the Celtics and Pacers will tip off at 7:30pm at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
