The NBA playoffs are just a few weeks away, and represent the biggest test for the Boston Celtics as they attempt to defend their status as league champions. Between now and when the postseason begins in April, the Celtics will need to find the right balance between staying in rhythm and staying healthy.

Injuries have been a persistent concern for the team this season. For example, big man Kristaps Porziņgis has been in and out of the lineup, most recently with a ongoing illness. In fact, most of Boston’s stars and rotation players have missed time with various bumps and bruises throughout the 2024-25 campaign. This includes All-Star Jaylen Brown, who has dealt with nagging injuries at various points this year.

Brown doesn’t plan on taking any time off as the regular season winds down. He explained his thinking following Boston’s home loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder this week.

Brown was asked about the possibility of taking time to nurse any lingering injuries or pain. The game against the Thunder was particularly physical in a way that Brown admitted threw him off his game.

Still, as Brown sees it, taking time off is the right way to end the year.

“I don’t skip steps,” Brown said. “So finishing on the record season strong is a part of my agenda.”

Injuries have seen Brown miss 14 of Boston’s games at the time of this writing. For what it’s worth, Brown can only sit 3 more times this season before he becomes ineligible for any of the NBA’s end of season awards. He didn’t clarify, but perhaps part of his agenda is to make All-NBA or an All-Defensive Team.

Brown did say he feels better. His knee has been the biggest concern as of late, after dealing with injuries in his groin and hip earlier in the year. Brown said he thinks he is trending in the right direction.

“Tonight I felt better than I did over the last two weeks. To be honest, my knee better than I have in a while, so I think I’m trending in the right direction.” Brown said.