The Boston Celtics are reeling before their biggest game of the season — not from a brutal loss, but from an unexpected absence. Jaylen Brown, the team’s electric 28-year-old All-Star and leading scorer, is listed as out for Friday’s high-stakes matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers due to a non-COVID illness. The official NBA injury report for December 4, 2025, at 6:30 PM ET confirmed the news, leaving fans and analysts scrambling to adjust expectations for what was supposed to be a marquee clash at TD Garden in Boston.
Why This Absence Hurts More Than Most
Brown isn’t just a starter. He’s the engine. Through 21 games this season, he’s averaging 29.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.8 assists — numbers that make him the third-highest scorer in the entire Eastern Conference. His ability to create his own shot, attack the rim, and stretch the floor with 2.0 three-pointers per game has been the backbone of Boston’s 14-9 record. Without him, the Celtics’ offensive rhythm collapses like a house of cards. The team’s current five-game winning streak? It’s now in serious jeopardy.What makes this worse is timing. The Lakers, at 16-5, are second only to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the West. They’ve been playing with swagger, led by Austin Reaves’ clutch performances. This isn’t just another game — it’s a statement matchup. And Boston won’t have its best player.
Who Steps Up? The Unsung Heroes Get Their Moment
With Brown sidelined, the weight shifts to two players who’ve quietly been the Celtics’ unsung backbone: Derrick White and Payton Pritchard.White, averaging 17.0 points and 5.3 assists, has become Boston’s most reliable playmaker off the bench. He’s also their best perimeter defender — a critical asset against a Lakers team that thrives on ball movement. He’ll likely start in Brown’s spot, and the pressure to carry the scoring load will be immense.
Pritchard, meanwhile, has been the spark plug all season. At 17.3 points and 4.9 assists per game, he’s the closest thing Boston has to a secondary playmaker who can knock down threes consistently. His 2.7 three-pointers per game are vital — especially if the Celtics fall behind early. The twist? Neither player has ever been asked to carry this kind of burden for a full game against elite competition.
“It’s not about replacing Jaylen,” said one Celtics assistant coach anonymously. “It’s about becoming something else for a night. We’ve got to be uglier. More physical. More desperate.”
Grant Williams Out Too — A Double Blow
Brown’s absence isn’t the only setback. Power forward Grant Williams is also out, sidelined by right knee surgery. His absence removes Boston’s most versatile frontcourt option — someone who can stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and make smart passes. His 8.2 points per game might not look flashy, but his impact is felt in the margins: spacing, hustle plays, and defensive rotations.That means the Celtics will likely go small, with Kristaps Porziņģis playing more minutes at center. It’s a gamble. The Lakers have Anthony Davis, who can dominate inside. If Boston can’t contain him, the game could get ugly fast.
Lakers’ Status Still Unclear — But They’re Ready
The Los Angeles Lakers injury report hadn’t been filed by the 6:30 PM ET deadline on December 4, meaning their status — especially for key players like Davis or D’Angelo Russell — remains unknown. That’s normal. Teams often wait until the last minute to confirm availability. But for Boston, it adds another layer of uncertainty. Will Davis play? Will LeBron James rest? The Lakers could be at full strength, or they could be managing minutes. Either way, they’re coming to Boston hungry.The last time these two teams met? Boston won by 12. Brown dropped 34. Now, he’s out. The narrative flips.
What’s at Stake Beyond the Box Score
This isn’t just about one game. It’s about identity. The Celtics have spent the last three seasons building a reputation as title contenders. But they’ve always been criticized for folding under pressure — especially when their stars aren’t healthy. This game is a litmus test: Can they win without Brown? Can they prove they’re more than a one-man show?Meanwhile, the Lakers are quietly positioning themselves as the West’s dark horse. A win here — especially against a depleted Celtics team — sends a message to the rest of the league: don’t count us out.
What’s Next?
Brown’s illness is described as non-COVID, but the Celtics haven’t disclosed specifics. Is it a stomach bug? A viral infection? A minor fever? The team says he’s “resting and being monitored.” He’s expected to return by next week’s game against the Raptors — but if he misses more than one game, the Celtics’ playoff positioning could slip.For now, the focus is Friday. The Celtics have played through adversity before. But losing Brown, Williams, and having to face a hungry Lakers team on a national stage? That’s a different kind of test.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Jaylen Brown’s absence affect the Celtics’ playoff chances?
Brown’s absence could cost Boston valuable positioning in the Eastern Conference. With five teams ahead of them, losing even one game — especially against a top-5 Western team — could push them to seventh or eighth. His 29.0 PPG is irreplaceable, and without him, Boston’s offense drops nearly 10 points per game. That’s the difference between a top-4 seed and a play-in berth.
Why is the Lakers’ injury report marked as ‘Not Yet Submitted’?
The NBA requires teams to submit injury reports by 6:30 PM ET the day before the game. The Lakers’ report was due at that time, but hadn’t been filed yet — which is common. Many teams wait until players are cleared for practice or until the morning of the game. Their final status will likely be confirmed Friday morning.
Can Derrick White and Payton Pritchard carry the offense alone?
They’ve done it in spurts — but never for 40+ minutes against a team like the Lakers. White’s 17.0 PPG and 5.3 APG are solid, and Pritchard’s 17.3 PPG is impressive, but neither is a primary option. The Celtics will need help from Kristaps Porziņģis and rookie Malaki Branham. It’s possible — but unlikely they’ll score 120+ without Brown.
Is this illness related to the Celtics’ recent travel schedule?
It’s possible. Boston played in Miami on Tuesday, then flew back to Boston, and had a short turnaround before Friday’s game. Teams often see upticks in illness after back-to-back road trips, especially in December. The NBA’s travel schedule is brutal, and Brown’s absence may be a sign of fatigue, not just a random bug.
What’s the historical significance of Celtics vs. Lakers matchups?
This is the NBA’s most storied rivalry, with 12 Finals meetings and 17 total championships between the two franchises. Friday’s game is their second meeting this season — and the first since the Celtics won the 2024 title. A win for LA would signal a shift in momentum. A win for Boston, even without Brown, would prove they’re still a force.