The Boston Celtics will be without their star wing Jaylen Brown when they face the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday, as Brown is sidelined by an illness, according to NBA analyst Marc Stein. Meanwhile, the Bucks will gain a boost with the return of Giannis Antetokounmpo from injury, setting up a challenging matchup for the Celtics.
Brown’s Impact on the Celtics’ Strong Season
Jaylen Brown has been instrumental in Boston’s success this season, often stepping up as the leading scorer in the absence of teammate Jayson Tatum. The Celtics, currently holding a 40-20 record, have surpassed many expectations and are tightly positioned in the Eastern Conference playoff race. With the New York Knicks only a game and a half behind at 39-22, Brown’s absence looms as a significant setback for Boston’s playoff aspirations.
Brown’s Career-High Performance Amid MVP Discussion
Brown has appeared in 54 out of 60 games this season, averaging over 34 minutes per game. He is posting career-high stats, including an average of 29.0 points, 7.1 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. His shooting splits include 48.2 percent from the field, 34.9 percent from beyond the arc, and 77.8 percent from the free-throw line. Notably, Brown leads the league in field goal attempts at 22.9 per game and in two-point attempts at 16.3, further highlighting his offensive workload and importance.
Significance of Brown’s Absence and Outlook
As the regular season approaches its final stages, the MVP race is heating up, with Brown being a serious contender. His illness-related absence could affect Boston’s momentum, especially given the tight Eastern Conference standings and the Bucks being at near full strength. The Celtics will need to adjust quickly to maintain their position, while Brown’s return and health remain crucial for Boston’s postseason ambitions.
“Jaylen Brown has been the driving force behind the Celtics’ success this season, playing at an MVP level in the absence of Jayson Tatum.”?Marc Stein, NBA insider
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
