The Celtics will have their top scorer back in the lineup on Thursday night against the Heat. The team removed Jaylen Brown from the team’s injury report for the matchup on Wednesday. Only Jayson Tatum (Achilles) and Josh Minott (ankle) were listed by the team both forwards remain sidelined.
Brown sat out Monday’s loss to the Pacers with lower back spasms. It was just the third game that Brown has missed this season and a costly absence for Boston’s offense as they mustered just 96 points in the two-point defeat against one of the NBA’s worst defenses. Baylor Scheierman got the start in place of Brown on Monday and will return to a bench role with the All-Star back available.
Brown is averaging a career-high 29.5 points per game this season for Boston, which ranks sixth in the NBA. He scored 30 points against the Heat in Boston’s win over Miami last month.
Minott will miss his sixth straight game with a sprained ankle but Joe Mazzulla told reporters in Miami on Wednesday that he was back on the court and getting closer to a return.
Boston will face a beat up Heat squad on Thursday that could have several key rotation players sidelined. Starting point guard Davion Mitchell is doubtful due to a left shoulder contusion and Jamie Jaquez Jr. is questionable with left knee soreness. Tyler Herro (toe) and Nikola Jovic (knee) are both probable.
The Celtics and Heat tip off at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday night in South Beach.