Joe Mazzulla says he’s ‘100 percent’ confident Jaylen Brown will be ready for playoff opener
"He knows where he needs to get to in order to be at his best for what matters most."
Celtics guard Jaylen Brown opted to miss the final two games of the regular season, leaving his total at 63 games played, which is short of the 65-game threshold to be eligible for postseason awards.
Brown, however, is expected to be ready for the start of the postseason next weekend, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said before Boston tipped off its regular-season finale against Charlotte.
“I’m 100 percent confident in him because of the work ethic that he has, the mindset that he has, and the preparation that he puts himself in,” Mazzulla said.
Brown decided to miss the games as he continues to manage a nagging knee injury. Mazzulla said Brown had the freedom to make that choice.
“He knows his body better than anybody. He knows exactly where he’s at,” Mazzulla said. “He knows where he needs to get to in order to be at his best for what matters most.
“The most important thing is trusting him and trusting his camp and (assistant athletic trainer) Drew Moore does a great job with him, our sports science team does,” Mazzulla added. “He made the call and just put himself in the best position. He’s continuing to do that.”
ESPN reported that Brown received a painkilling injection in his knee. Although the injury has been nagging him for some time, Brown has been available to play most nights.
Brown’s discomfort has been visible lately, and he said he has been studying game tape of former Celtic Paul Pierce as he adapts to a somewhat less-explosive style of play.
Mazzulla confirmed ESPN’s report about the injection. He did not offer further specifics about the type of painkilling injection it was.
“Just part of the rehab process for him to get back to his absolute best,” Mazzulla said. “So, he’s just continuing to take care of himself and put himself in a great position to get ready for next weekend.”
Brown was limited to 22 minutes in both of his last two appearances of the regular season against the Knicks and Wizards. He scored 31 points against the Suns on April 4. He is averaging 25 minutes per game this month, down from his season average of 34.3.
The Celtics will host the winner of the 7/8 game of the NBA play-in tournament in the first round of the playoffs this weekend at TD Garden. The series will tip off either on Saturday or Sunday.
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