The Boston Celtics will be without veteran forward Jaylen Brown for their game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday, March 2, due to an illness. Brown’s absence comes just after the Celtics secured an important victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.
This marks only the sixth game Brown has missed this season and his first since February 24, when Boston faced the Phoenix Suns in Arizona. The Celtics confirmed the star forward’s status through the official injury report issued ahead of the matchup.
Strong Performance Before the Layoff
On Sunday, March 1, Brown logged 38 minutes in a dominant showing versus the 76ers, where he scored 27 points on 9-of-17 shooting, including two three-pointers out of six attempts. Alongside his scoring, Brown contributed eight assists and eight rebounds, helping Boston to a 114-98 victory.
Throughout the season, Brown has remained a key contributor, appearing in 54 games and averaging 34.3 minutes per contest. His shooting percentages stand at 48% from the field and 34% from beyond the arc, while he is putting up 29 points, five assists, and 7.1 rebounds per game on average.
Additional Celtics Players Missing for Monday’s Matchup
Besides Brown, the Celtics will be shorthanded in other areas. Veteran big man Neemias Queta will also sit out Monday’s game for rest following a productive performance against the 76ers. Additionally, star forward Jayson Tatum remains sidelined as he continues rehabilitation from a severe Achilles injury sustained during the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
Tatum underwent surgery and is focused on making a return to support the Celtics’ postseason ambitions, but his availability for the near-term remains uncertain.
Milwaukee Bucks Prepare for Key Return as Celtics Face Challenges
The Celtics’ opponent, the Milwaukee Bucks, will host the contest with a boost expected from the anticipated return of Giannis Antetokounmpo. After missing over five weeks with a calf strain, Antetokounmpo is on schedule to rejoin the lineup, a development that could shift momentum in the Bucks’ favor during the critical late-season stretch.
With Boston entering Monday’s game depleted in key areas, Milwaukee is positioned well to capitalize, especially on their home floor.
Season Context and What Lies Ahead for the Celtics
Despite Brown’s absence and other injury-related challenges, the Celtics hold a strong position with a 40-20 record, ranking second in the Eastern Conference behind the Detroit Pistons. The team’s resilience has been evident across the season, but missing a player of Brown’s caliber will test their depth and strategic adjustments for the Bucks game and upcoming fixtures.
The Celtics are scheduled to return to action quickly, heading back on the court Wednesday, March 4, looking to regain full strength and continue their push toward the playoffs.
Monday’s tip-off against Milwaukee is set for 7:30 PM ET, marking a crucial test of Boston’s ability to compete amid roster setbacks.
The Celtics say Jaylen Brown (illness), Neemias Queta (rest) and Jayson Tatum (Achilles) will all miss tonight's game against Milwaukee … while the Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo has been upgraded to questionable after a five-week absence.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) March 2, 2026
The Celtics say Jaylen Brown (illness), Neemias Queta (rest) and Jayson Tatum (Achilles) will all miss tonight's game against Milwaukee … while the Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo has been upgraded to questionable after a five-week absence.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) March 2, 2026
