The Boston Celtics are marching into the biggest battle of their season down one of their best troops. Jaylen Brown is expected to miss their matchup against the Miami Heat on Sunday night.

The Celtics' official Twitter account reported his status:

Jaylen Brown had already missed the team's last two contests due to the same ankle issue. They were able to survive without him against a clearly-tanking Orlando Magic side, but got blown out by a Chicago Bulls squad that still has a puncher's chance at a play-in spot.

The Celtics clearly didn't match that same intensity, despite the fact that their games are equally just as important, if not more so. As it stands, Boston is firmly entrenched in the seventh spot with a 35-32. They're just one game off from the Miami Heat at six, which guarantees that secured playoff spot.

The Celtics do face the Heat in back-to-back games, which could hopefully mean that Jaylen Brown returns for the second contest. Thanks to the schedule even just a split of the two contests could be enough for the Celtics, who have home-court advantage for both games.

Boston has the Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves next, followed by the New York Knicks in the final game of the season. Depending on how things shake out, the Knicks may opt to rest their players if they're able to lock in the 4-seed.

The Heat meanwhile face the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers, who may still be fighting to secure their seeds at that point.

Nevertheless, Jaylen Brown's return at full strength should be the priority. Falling into the play-in tournament with a healthy Brown is better than rushing him just to win an extra game.