The Boston Celtics are optimistic they won't be without Jaylen Brown for too long.
Brown exited Tuesday night's win over the Atlanta Hawks after suffering a right ankle sprain in the first quarter. The 25-year-old tried to return to the game, but the Celtics ultimately decided to keep him sidelined as a precaution.
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Celtics head coach Ime Udoka said Brown, who didn't practice Wednesday, is unlikely to play in Thursday night's game vs. the Memphis Grizzlies. The good news is the injury isn't expected to keep Brown sidelined for an extended period.
"He has some swelling, but pain as well, obviously. Moreso than last night," Udoka told reporters Wednesday. "He'll be evaluated over the next few days. Unlikely tomorrow unless something happens overnight, you never know. But it'll be a day-to-day thing.
"He tried to get back in the game last night, still had the adrenaline pumping and it doesn't swell up as much, but overnight it did and it has some pain. But like I said, nothing long-term. I'm not sure of the severity of the grade, but it didn't look like anything major that'll (keep him) out for weeks."
The Celtics stumbled after Brown's injury as they trailed Atlanta by 14 at the half. The second-ranked Hawks offense scored 37 points in the second quarter against a usually-stout Boston defense.
Boston Celtics
They flipped a switch in the second half, outscoring the Hawks 56-33 to earn a 107-98 victory. Derrick White and Grant Williams stepped up in Brown's absence with 18 points apiece off the bench.
Boston will need its supporting cast to deliver again Thursday night against a Grizzlies team led by MVP candidate Ja Morant. Memphis has won eight of its last 10 games and currently sits in third place in the Western Conference standings.
Celtics-Grizzlies is set for a 7:30 p.m. ET tip-off on NBC Sports Boston.