The Boston Celtics are expecting to have Jaylen Brown back in the lineup for Kemba Walker's return to face the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday night. Brown has missed the last three games due to an illness and an infection.

The Celtics may also get Enes Kanter back in the lineup. Kanter has played just one game with his new club due to a knee contusion.

Fellow big men Daniel Theis (ankle) and Robert Williams (hip) are both probable:

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Even with some of these key injuries, Boston has gotten off to a hot 5-1 start. The Celtics pulled out a tight victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night on the back of Gordon Hayward, who went for 39 points on 17-of-20 shooting in a 119-113 victory.

Still, it will be great to have these players healthy, especially Jaylen Brown. The youngster is a key cog on the wing, averaging 17.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists in the early going this season. The 23-year-old is shooting 50.0% from the field.

Enes Kanter had 12 points, six rebounds and two assists in the season-opening loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. The veteran big man started that game, so it will be interesting to see if he returns to the starting lineup or if Brad Stevens sticks with Theis. Boston has had success with Theis in the starting lineup, and Kanter can provide scoring punch off the bench.