Jaylen

Brown

Limited to nine points in his first game back from a knee issue that cost him three games, Brown looked much sharper on Wednesday. He finished the 30-point win one blocked shot shy of a complete stat line, and the four three-pointers were the most he’s made in a game since February 28. Over the past month, Brown has offered sixth-round value in eight-cat formats. The Celtics end Week 21 with a game against the Spurs on Saturday in the penultimate game of the team’s road trip.

Brown missed Boston’s last three games but was able to suit up against Sacramento. He only logged 26 minutes, but that was enough time for the Celtics to get a big win. Even when he was on the floor, it was a quiet performance for Brown. That isn’t something that managers should get used to, even if his last few appearances have been subpar. Jayson Tatum exited early with an ankle injury and could remain out in Phoenix on Wednesday, which would lead to extra shots for Brown.

Brown will be back after missing Boston’s last three games with a knee injury. They’ll have their preferred starting unit available, though they will be without Al Horford and Sam Hauser. Payton Pritchard started on Sunday but will be pushed back to the bench against Sacramento.

Hauser has been downgraded from questionable to out for Monday’s game. However, his absence will not significantly impact fantasy basketball, as Jaylen Brown has been cleared to return from his knee injury. JB will return to the starting lineup.

While Hauser played in Sunday’s win over the Trail Blazers, hitting eight three-pointers and scoring 24 points, Brown has missed Boston’s last three games. Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis are all available for Monday night, and their presence in the lineup will account for Brown’s absence if he’s unable to play. If Hauser can play, he may remain in the starting lineup.

Brown has been diagnosed with a bone bruise in his right knee. He was already ruled out against the Jazz on Friday, and he will remain out against Portland on Sunday. He could be back to play in Sacramento on Monday, but it seems more likely that he is sidelined longer than that. Sam Hauser should continue to start in his place.

It’s a new (old) listing for Brown, who missed Tuesday’s game with back spasms. Brown’s knee was the main injury listing he had prior to leaving Saturday’s game with back spasms, suggesting that perhaps he’s over that. Sam Hauser will likely take on a bigger role in the rotation against the Jazz and be a worthy candidate to stream on Friday. The Celtics will probably continue to manage Brown down the stretch to get him ready for the playoffs.

Brown exited Saturday’s win over the Nets due to back spasms and will not play in Tuesday’s rematch. With Derrick White absent from the injury report, he’ll slide into the spot in the starting lineup left vacant by Brown. Also, Payton Pritchard has a higher fantasy ceiling when the Celtics are down a starter.

To no one’s surprise, Pritchard stepped up on a night when the Celtics were shorthanded. The betting favorite to win Sixth Man of the Year has scored 20 points or more on 20 occasions this season, nine more than the 2023-24 campaign. With Jaylen Brown exiting Saturday’s game with back spasms, Pritchard’s fantasy ceiling may be raised for Week 20, even if Derrick White and Al Horford are available. They did not play against the Nets.

Brown’s lower back flared up early in the third quarter of Saturday’s game, and he is now unlikely to return. His absence frees up additional opportunities for Payton Pritchard, who is already rostered in most standard leagues.