The 12-9 Boston Celtics will likely be shorthanded against the Washington Wizards following an update on four-time All-Star Jaylen Brown, who has been on a tear lately, helping his team win seven of their last nine games.

Will Jaylen Brown Play Against the Wizards?

Brown, who has been holding down the fort for the Celtics this season, is expected to miss Thursday’s road game against the Wizards.

He has been listed as doubtful due to an illness. The specific nature of his illness has not been disclosed, and there is still a chance he could suit up if the situation changes, as he has not been officially ruled out.

Injury Report for tomorrow at WAS:

Jaylen Brown (illness, non-Covid) – DOUBTFUL
Jayson Tatum (right Achilles repair) – OUT

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 3, 2025

If he does sit out Thursday, it will be the first game he has missed this season. He has emerged as the team’s leader on offense while fellow star Jayson Tatum continues to recover from his Achilles tear.

His next chance to suit up will be Friday when the Celtics host the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half of back-to-back games.

Brown’s absence will provide an opportunity for other forwards such as Sam Hauser, Jordan Walsh, Josh Minnot, and Hugo González to step up. However, they will have some big shoes to fill.

In Tatum’s absence, Brown has become the focal point in coach Joe Mazzulla’s offense. His scoring has risen significantly, as he is on pace for his best season yet, averaging 29.0 points per game on shooting splits of 49.9/34.7/77.2.

He has also demonstrated a well-rounded skill set, averaging 6.0 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. His emergence as the team’s first option has also led to a slight increase in miscues, as he averages 3.6 turnovers per game.

Brown is coming off his best scoring performance this season against the New York Knicks on Tuesday. He torched the conference rivals with 42 points on 16-for-24 shooting (2-for-6 on 3-pointers), while also recording four assists, four rebounds, and one steal as the Celtics came away with the 123-117 victory.

A piece of good news for the Celtics is that only Brown and Tatum are listed as injured. Still, Brown’s status is a major blow for the team as they hope to extend a two-game win streak to three.

If they manage a win in Brown’s absence, they will tie their longest win streak of the season.