Jaylen Brown Ruled Out With Achilles Tendinitis Ahead of Playoffs

Jaylen Brown has been ruled out with left Achilles tendinitis, missing the Celtics' April 9 game against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. This isn't a new issue — Brown has been managing the Achilles on and off since late March, when it first held him out of two games.

Brown downplayed it after returning against Atlanta on March 30, saying "everybody's dealing with something — just some soreness." But the fact that he's sitting again two weeks later is concerning. Achilles tendinitis in April, with a deep playoff run ahead, is the kind of thing that keeps front offices up at night.

The Celtics are clearly in load management mode, and with their playoff spot locked up, there's no reason to push it. But Boston's title defense depends on a healthy Brown. Derrick White is also dealing with a knee issue, so the Celtics' backcourt health is worth watching closely as the postseason approaches.