Boston Celtics shooting guard Jaylen Brown has missed three straight games due to a tailbone injury, but it sounds like he's on track to make his return in Thursday night's game against the Knicks. However, the former No. 3 overall pick is expecting to come off the bench.

This might seem like a sketchy decision, but the Celtics are likely being cautious in their approach to Brown's return. Aside from that, Marcus Smart and Marcus Morris have been playing well — a fact Brown reiterated after Wednesday's practice session:

“I believe in my ability,” Brown told reporters. “Coaching staff believes in my ability. If coming off bench makes sense – people make it a bigger deal than it really is. At end of the day it's basketball. (Gordon) Hayward came off the bench & had 30 points. It's a mindset. It's a choice.”

Article Continues Below
More Boston Celtics News
Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) controls the ball while New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) defends in the second half during game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden.
Celtics rumors: Boston’s stance on trading Jrue Holiday after failed NBA title defenseDavid Yapkowitz ·
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) looks to pass in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden
Celtics’ Jayson Tatum issues 7-word message on Achilles injury rehabDaniel Donabedian ·
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) shoots the ball as New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) defends in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
Shaquille O’Neal throws shade at Celtics’ Jayson Tatum’s HOF credentialsZachary Howell ·
Jaylen Brown photoshopped in Spurs jersey
Spurs’ trade proposal for Jaylen Brown if Celtics blow it upBailey Bassett ·
Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (middle left) and forward Tari Eason (middle right) hold towels on their faces during game seven of the first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center.
NBA rumors: Rockets ‘anticipating’ Celtics trade talksDavid Yapkowitz ·
image thumbnail
Celtics rumors: Will Boston target rising center prospect in NBA Draft?Owen Crisafulli ·

Brown, now 22 years of age, was a full participant in Tuesday and Wednesday's practices. Exactly how long Celtics head coach Brad Stevens will keep him on the bench remains to be seen.

Brown is an important piece of Boston's rotation, even though he has taken a step back this season after a breakout second campaign. In his 19 appearances with the Celtics this season (all starts), the Georgia native has racked up averages of 11.1 points on 39.8 percent shooting from the field (25.3 percent from beyond the arc), 4.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 28.1 minutes per outing.

Thursday night's Celtics-Knicks game is scheduled to tip inside TD Garden at 8:00 p.m. ET with TNT having live broadcast coverage.