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During his pregame meeting with the media ahead of Game 1 of the eastern conference semifinals, Brad Stevens said that Jaylen Brown remains doubtful to play despite his efforts to get on the court.
Jaylen Brown is imploring doctors to play but Brad Stevens still lists him as doubtful. #Celtics #76ers
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) April 30, 2018
Brown injured his hamstring in Game 7 against Milwaukee Saturday night. He left the game before the end of the first half and did not return. Stevens said that he felt better today, but the Celtics will go with Marcus Smart in the starting lineup if Brown is unable to suit up.
Aron Baynes is also returning to the starting five, replacing Semi Ojeleye who started the last three games of Boston’s first round series. Baynes is presumably the starter to guard Sixers big man Joel Embiid.
Tonight's starters for Game 1:
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 30, 2018
- Terry Rozier
- Jaylen Brown (if available) OR Marcus Smart (if Brown is unavailable)
- Jayson Tatum
- Al Horford
- Aron Baynes
The Celtics and Sixers will tip off Game 1 at 8 p.m. EST at TD Garden. We will update Brown’s status as it becomes available.
UPDATE:
Jaylen Brown officially out tonight. Marcus Smart will start for the Celtics.
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) April 30, 2018