The Boston Celtics might have to navigate a tough road game against the Oklahoma City Thunder without their star guard, Jaylen Brown. Brown, who is listed as questionable due to a right shoulder strain, has already missed the last two games. Sam Hauser has stepped up in his absence and is expected to continue filling the role if Brown is sidelined again.
Brown’s absence comes at a critical time. The Celtics are heading into a matchup against the Thunder, the Western Conference’s top-seeded team with a stellar 29-5 record and a dominant 16-2 home performance. Despite this, Boston has maintained a strong road record of 13-3, showcasing their resilience even when key players are missing. However, the Thunder’s recent form—winning 14 of their last 15 games—makes this a formidable challenge.
In his last appearance on New Year’s Eve, Brown played a pivotal role in the Celtics’ commanding 125-71 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He contributed 12 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and one steal in just 25 minutes, shooting an efficient 46% from the field. While the Celtics managed to win their last two games without him, facing a high-caliber team like the Thunder could test their depth and adaptability.
Boston’s success this season has been driven by their defensive rebounding, led by Jayson Tatum, who averages 8.8 rebounds per game. The Celtics also excel in three-point shooting, averaging 18.7 made threes per game, significantly outpacing the Thunder’s 12.6. However, Oklahoma City remains a solid perimeter team, averaging 13.5 made three-pointers per game. This matchup will likely hinge on which team can impose its style of play.
As the Celtics prepare for Sunday’s showdown, all eyes will be on their ability to adapt without Brown. While his potential absence is a setback, Boston’s depth and resilience have kept them competitive. A victory over the Thunder would not only bolster their confidence but also reaffirm their position as one of the NBA’s elite teams.