Boston Celtics Injury Report (Dec 14): Latest update on Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown's availability
Jaylen Brown is available to face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday, December 14. The All-Star wing was dealing with an ankle sprain earlier and was listed questionable for the Boston Celtics. The Celtics have a fully healthy roster.
Jayson Tatum and Kristaps Porzingis will also appear in the starting lineup. Porzingis has greatly impacted how the Celtics operate on the offensive end since being acquired during the off-season.
Nevertheless, it's the production of Tatum that will decide whether the Celtics are successful against the Cavaliers. The St. Louis native is core to everything the Celtics do on both sides of the floor.
For example, in the fourth quarter of the Celtics' December 12 win over Cleveland, Joe Mazzulla used Tatum as the primary defender on screeners in pick-and-roll actions. This led to the Celtics shutting down the Cavaliers' offense throughout the final period of play.
Tatum's increased performances in the post have also created a new dimension for the team's overall offense. Of course, Brown operating in a more offensive role, with a focus on scoring, has also been a significant change that's had positive results.
Brown is now leaning on his athleticism and three-level scoring to be a primary scorer within the rotation. He's tasked with pressuring the rim and stretching to help defenses with his mid-range game.
Jaylen Brown usually plays well against the Cleveland Cavaliers
Jaylen Brown has a good track record against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Georgia native has played against the Eastern Conference franchise on 20 occasions and averages 20.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists.
If Brown is cleared to play on Thursday, he will likely have another big performance, as the Cavaliers' defense usually struggles with his off-ball cutting and explosive finishing around the rim.
However, if he's forced to sit out the contest, Boston will likely slide into a double-big lineup with Al Horford and Kristapos Porzignis starting the game at the four and the five. Luke Kornet would then assume a bigger role off the bench, which he's performed well with when given the opportunity this season.
Nevertheless, the Boston Celtics are at their best when Brown is on the court and a primary part of the rotation. The medical staff will be working with the All-NBA wing throughout the day, as they try to ensure Brown is cleared to participate against Cleveland.