Payton Pritchard on the status of Jaylen Brown heading into the playoffs.

As the Boston Celtics prepare for the 2025 NBA Playoffs, the status of Jaylen Brown’s health remains a critical concern. The reigning Finals MVP is dealing with a persistent right knee bone bruise, which has led to him receiving pain management injections in recent weeks. This injury has caused him to miss seven of the Celtics’ last 15 games, and in his two most recent appearances, he played just 21 minutes each, including a recent overtime game against the New York Knicks .

Despite these setbacks, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla has expressed confidence in Brown’s ability to return to full strength for the postseason. Mazzulla emphasized that the team is prioritizing Brown’s recovery to ensure he is ready for the playoffs .

In Brown’s absence, Payton Pritchard has stepped up significantly. Notably, in a game against the Milwaukee Bucks, Pritchard came off the bench to score 28 points, including eight three-pointers, helping the Celtics secure a 119-108 victory . His performance has been a bright spot for the team, showcasing his scoring ability and readiness to contribute when called upon.

As the Celtics, who have secured the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, look ahead to their playoff matchup against the winner of the Magic-Hawks play-in game, the health of Jaylen Brown will be pivotal. His return to form, combined with the continued strong play of teammates like Pritchard, will be crucial as Boston aims to defend its NBA championship title.