The Boston Celtics have been one of the Eastern Conference’s most dangerous teams heading into the final stretch of the regular season. But heading into Monday night’s road game against the Atlanta Hawks, all eyes are on one question: Will Jaylen Brown finally make a comeback?
Yes. Brown has been cleared to play and is not listed on the injury report for Monday‘s rematch against Atlanta at State Farm Arena.
The Celtics star missed back-to-back games for the first time this season, including Friday’s win over the Hawks and Sunday’s contest against the Charlotte Hornets, due to left Achilles tendinitis.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla had declined to share specifics on the injury, saying only that Brown felt sore after Wednesday’s win over Oklahoma City and was day-to-day. His removal from the injury report ends what had become one of the most closely monitored situations in Boston ahead of the playoffs.
Will Jaylen Brown Play Against the Atlanta Hawks Tonight?
The flip side of the good news is that Jayson Tatum has been ruled out for Monday’s game due to right Achilles repair management. Tatum, who returned from Achilles surgery on March 6, has yet to play on back-to-back nights since his comeback.
Jaylen Brown returns tonight against the Hawks. No surprise, but Jayson Tatum will not play in the second half of the Celtics’ back-to-back.
Ron Harper Jr – R Ankle Sprain – QUESTIONABLE
Neemias Queta – R Thumb Sprain – Doubtful
Jayson Tatum – R Achilles Repair Management – OUT
Nikola Vucevic – R Ring Finger Fracture – OUT
Derrick White – R Knee Contusion – PROBABLE
— Bobby Krivitsky (@BobbyKrivitsky) March 30, 2026
He logged 35 minutes against the Thunder, 32 against the Hawks, and 37 against the Hornets on Sunday, which was his most efficient outing yet, as he scored a season-high 32 points. With both games now separated, Boston will rely on Brown to carry the load while Tatum rests.
Beyond the Brown and Tatum news, the Celtics are navigating a crowded injury report. Starting center Neemias Queta is doubtful with a right thumb sprain, while backup center Nikola Vučević has been ruled out for the 12th consecutive game with a fractured ring finger. With both bigs unavailable, Luka Garza is expected to serve as Boston’s primary frontcourt option, backed up by rookie Amari Williams and 10-day signee Charles Bassey.
Reserve wing Ron Harper Jr. is questionable after suffering a right ankle sprain in Sunday’s game, while Derrick White is probable to return after sitting out against the Hornets with a right knee contusion.
The Celtics arrive in Atlanta at 50-24, holding a 2.5-game lead over the New York Knicks for the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. Brown has been their undisputed leader all season, averaging career highs of 28.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game across 65 appearances.
His return is a significant boost for a team that has bigger goals in mind. The Hawks, sitting at 42-33 and led by Jalen Johnson’s 22.9 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game, will provide a stern test. With Brown back on the floor, Boston heads into Monday’s rematch as the team to beat.
