Copyright MassLive
The Celtics are expected to have Jaylen Brown available on Wednesday night when they host the Cavaliers at TD Garden. The All-Star forward was upgraded to probable for the matchup after playing through a hamstring strain in the first week of the regular season. Brown appeared hampered by the injury at times when playing the second game of a back-to-back Monday night. He posted 15 points and seven rebounds before hitting the bench with five fouls early in the fourth quarter. The Celtics star did not have to return to the game, though, after his teammates pulled away from the Pelicans in the final 10 minutes for their first victory of the regular season. Brown was intent on playing through the injury until the team got their first win of the year on Monday night. “I had to get on the floor,” Brown told reporters in New Orleans, via CLNS Media. “We had to find a way to get the win, so I was going to play until we figured that part out. From my body standpoint, just managing it. Just trying to stay within myself, not overextend myself too much. I’ve had some hamstring injuries in the past, so it’s given me some good information to still be effective without using too much explosiveness or too much athleticism.” Wednesday will mark two weeks since Brown suffered the injury in a preseason matchup against the Raptors on Oct. 15. Despite being limited physically, he’s still managed to put some impressive performances together in Boston’s 1-3 start including a 41-point outing in a loss against the Pistons. Boston will need Brown closer to full strength if they want to string some wins together in their toughest schedule stretch of the year. They will face the Cavs on Wednesday, travel to face the undefeated 76ers Friday night and then wrap up a five games in seven days stretch on Saturday night against the Rockets. “Tough turnaround,” Brown said Monday night. “Detroit to New Orleans, that’s a tough way to start the season. But it’s alright. Adversity is what makes strong bones. I’m looking forward to the challenges of the year. It’s not going to get easier. It’s only going to get tougher. Just gotta be ready.”
