The Latest on the Injury Front Ahead of the Celtics' Game vs. the Hornets
At shoot around Friday morning, Robert Williams, who was inactive for the Celtics' 106-99 win over the Sixers Wednesday due to a left ankle sprain, said he was feeling well and looking forward to returning to the lineup when Boston hosts the Hornets Friday night.
And while Malcolm Brogdon popped up on the injury report as probable due to right Achilles soreness, the Celtics' sixth man is also active for Boston's game against Charlotte.
Al Horford won't join them in the lineup, but during a pregame media availability to primarily discuss the Celtics trade-deadline acquisition of Mike Muscala, Boston's president of basketball operations, Brad Stevens conveyed he doesn't expect Horford, who's dealing with right knee swelling, to be a "long-term thing."
Stevens and Joe Mazzulla before him also provided updates on Marcus Smart's sprained right ankle.
The latter shared that the Celtics' floor general is "progressing" and that he tested out his ankle today, adding Smart's range of motion is improving.
The former echoed that sentiment about Smart's progression, saying from what he's told, "Marcus is feeling good," but the pain hasn't gone away.
The fact this is the same ankle Smart injured during the playoffs has him and Boston being extremely cautious as he builds toward a return.
Smart recently provided an update on how his recovery is going.
Regarding Jaylen Brown, Stevens expressed, "the latest with the Jaylen information is it looks like no surgery, but we're going to see how he feels in the next few days."
Brown got fitted for a mask, but the Celtics have to see how he feels playing with it on.
Boston announced earlier on Friday that Brown suffered a maxillary facial fracture during the win against Philadelphia, and the Celtics will provide an update on his status next week.
Further Reading
Brad Stevens Discusses What Mike Muscala Brings to the Celtics
Celtics Reportedly 'Engaged' with Several Potential Buyout Candidates
Celtics Reportedly Missed Out on 'Top Choice' Big Man Leading to Deal for Mike Muscala
Examining Potential Options for the Celtics on the Buyout Market
Celtics Add Shooting, Center Depth in Trade for Mike Muscala
The Latest on Jaylen Brown's Facial Fracture and How Long He Might Be Out