INDIANAPOLIS — Like the Pacers, the Celtics are going through this season without their franchise player as Boston’s Jayson Tatum and Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton both out for the year with Achilles tendon tears. However, the Celtics might also be missing their other All-Star when they play the Pacers at 7:30 p.m. Monday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Jaylen Brown — a four-time All-Star as well as a one-time All-NBA pick and the 2024 NBA Finals MVP — wasn’t on the Celtics initial injury report on Sunday but he was added in the evening, listed as doubtful with back spasms. Brown has missed just two games this season and is making a strong case for both All-Star and All-NBA nods and even a darkhorse MVP argument in Tatum’s absence. He ranks sixth in the NBA with 29.5 points per game — which would be a career-high if it holds up throughout the year on 49.5% shooting and 37.6% 3-point shooting. He’s also averaging 6.4 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.0 steals per game. The surprising Celtics are 24-14 and entered Sunday’s action in a tie with the Knicks for second place in the Eastern Conference.

Advertisement

Celtics sharp-shooting wing Sam Hauser — who made 7 of 8 3-pointers for 23 points against the Pacers in Boston’s Dec. 26 win at Gainbridge — is listed as questionable with right hamstring tightness. He’s averaging 7.8 points per game and shooting 38.6% from 3-point range. Wing Josh Minott, who signed with the Celtics this summer after three years with Minnesota, is out with a left ankle sprain.

Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard is listed as questionable with lower back soreness for the third straight game after missing Thursday’s game but posting 29 points and nine assists in Saturday’s win over the Heat. Guard Bennedict Mathurin (right thumb sprain) and center Isaiah Jackson (concussion) are still out, though coach Rick Carlisle said Jackson has cleared concussion protocol but has to work himself back into shape. Forward Obi Toppin is out until at least February after surgery to repair a stress fracture in his right foot.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Boston’s Jaylen Brown doubtful against Pacers with back spasms