The Boston Celtics lost 112-102 to the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night. Jaylen Brown took responsibility for the loss afterward, calling it one of his worst performances in a while after shooting 9-of-29 from the field. Jayson Tatum sat out for Achilles repair management.
Wednesday brings a road matchup against the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center. The Celtics have won all three meetings between the teams this season. Boston enters at 50-25, good for the second seed in the Eastern Conference.
The injury report ahead of Wednesday’s game brought welcome news.
Celtics Injury Report in Miami
Nikola Vucevic will remained sidelined for the Celtics, as he continues to heal from a fractured right ring finger. Ron Harper Jr. is listed as questionable with the right ankle sprain he suffered Sunday night in Charlotte.
Both Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are not listed on the injury report.
Brown missed two games last week with left Achilles tendinitis before returning Monday against the Hawks. Tatum is back after sitting out Monday. He has missed just two games since returning from his torn Achilles on March 6.
Neemias Queta also returns after missing the Hawks game with a right thumb sprain.
Ron Harper Jr – Right Ankle Sprain – QUESTIONABLE Nikola Vucevic – Right Ring Finger Fracture – OUT
What Brown Said After Atlanta
Brown took the blame for the Celtics loss in Atlanta.
“This game was on me,” Brown said. “I got to be better. Probably one of my worst performances in a while and that cost us the game.”
No excuses about the missing players. No mention of the Achilles tendinitis that kept him out of Sunday’s win in Charlotte. Just accountability.
Brown shot 9-of-29 from the field and 3-of-9 from three. Dyson Daniels made his life difficult all night, staying attached to him from the opening quarter. Through three quarters, Brown was shooting just 4-of-18. The shots were not there.
He found a rhythm late with a burst in the fourth quarter that cut the deficit to single digits. But by then the damage was done.
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 30: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics shoots over Jalen Johnson #1 of the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at State Farm Arena on March 30, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Brown on His Achilles
Brown was also asked after loss whether his Achilles injury was a concern.
“Nah, everybody’s dealing with something… just some soreness,” Brown said. “Definitely want to make sure you stay healthy as much as possible and you don’t want to risk anything, but it’ll be fine going forward.”
Seven regular season games remain before the playoffs begin. Brown has carried this team all season, averaging 28.6 points per game. Boston has a good record this season without him, but a deep playoff run requires Brown at full strength.
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 28: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball against Dyson Daniels #5 of the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at TD Garden on January 28, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images)
Final Word for the Celtics
Monday’s loss stung. Brown owned it. Now the Celtics get a chance to respond with a healthier roster in Miami.
The Heat sit at 40-36, ninth in the East, and have won just three of their last ten. Boston has owned this matchup all season and needs a strong finish to secure the second seed heading into the playoffs.
Celtics Get Good News Ahead of Heat Matchup