Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown provided injury update before semifinal matchup against New York Knicks in 2024–25 NBA playoffs.

© Maddie Meyer / GettyJaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics dribbles against the Orlando Magic in Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs

The Boston Celtics took care of business in the first round of the 2024–25 NBA Playoffs, dispatching the Orlando Magic in five hard-fought games to advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Now set to face the New York Knicks, Boston is once again among the top contenders for the championship—and they’ll need Finals MVP Jaylen Brown at full strength.

Although Brown appeared on the injury report during the opening series, he seems to be turning a corner. Speaking with Noa Dalzell of SB Nation, the Celtics star expressed optimism about his recovery heading into the next round.

“I think I’m starting to turn the corner,” Brown said. “Structurally, everything is fine. I’ve had some other stuff going on, but I think I’m trending in the right direction.”

Brown’s comments offer a clear signal that he expects to be available for what promises to be a physical, emotionally charged series between two of the league’s most storied franchises.

 The matchup between Boston and New York—two basketball-obsessed cities—has all the makings of a postseason classic.

Brown, Porziņgis embrace rivalry ahead of Game 1

With NBA Game 1 set for Monday at TD Garden, both Brown and Kristaps Porziņģis weighed in on the magnitude of the upcoming series. Speaking to Zach Cox of the Boston Herald, Brown reflected on the history and intensity surrounding Celtics–Knicks matchups.

Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics at the line to shoot a free throw during the first half in Game 3 of the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Orlando Magic.

“It’s a great stage for basketball, just all the history between Boston and New York,” Brown said. “It’s great to be able to relive that. 

Boston versus New York—it don’t get much better than that.” For Porziņģis, the series carries extra meaning—it will mark his first playoff appearance against the Knicks, the team that drafted him fourth overall in 2015.

“Even between the fanbases,” Porziņgis added, “it’s going to be a war.” The series will feature not only iconic teams and loyal supporters, but also elite talent and contrasting styles of play. It’s a matchup that transcends the game itself.

Brown reflects on first-round battle with Orlando

Brown also took a moment to reflect on Boston’s first-round series win over the Magic. Despite the 4–1 result, he emphasized just how tough Orlando Magic made it.

“It was a fight. It was a fight physically, mentally [with] Orlando,” Brown said. “Shout out to them. One team had to advance. Fortunately, it was us. 

But respect to Orlando.” His comments underscore the competitive fire of the young Magic squad—a team with limited playoff experience, but no shortage of effort.