After an injury-riddled 2020-21 season, Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown was handed another blow last week as he tested positive for COVID-19. His status was questionable for the season opener on Wednesday against the Knicks due to the diagnosis, but it appears that he will suit up alongside Jayson Tatum. Via ESPN's Tim Bontemps:
Ime Udoka says Jaylen Brown will start tonight for the Celtics against the Knicks. Brown has been out for over a week due to testing positive for COVID-19.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) October 20, 2021
This is great news for the Celtics, considering the Knicks are a formidable opponent who is quite strong defensively. Boston will need all their offensive weapons available. Big man Al Horford is out though with COVID-19 and will miss the season opener:
Udoka says starting lineup could change once Al Horford, who is out with COVID-19, is able to return. Besides saying Horford is feeling well, there isn’t an update on his timeline to return. https://t.co/KDVjzgdqgz
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) October 20, 2021
While Brown played in just 58 games last season for the Celtics before going on the shelf with a season-ending wrist injury, he played well. The former Cal standout made his very first All-Star Game, averaging 24.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. Brown and Tatum form one of the best scoring duos in the league and it will be vital that both players stay healthy in 2021-22 if Boston is going to make some noise in the Eastern Conference.
The Celtics also added some nice pieces around their superstars in Dennis Schroder, Enes Kanter, and Josh Richardson. With a new coach as well, there is certainly some optimism around this team heading into opening night.