Jaylen Brown Questionable After 41-Point Game

Jaylen Brown's left hamstring remains a managed concern — he played and scored 41 points in Sunday's loss to the Pistons and was cleared to play that game, but he is listed as questionable or a game‑time decision for several upcoming Celtics matchups, including the season opener against the 76ers and a Monday game versus the Pelicans. Boston says Brown has practiced and feels “great,” but the team may sit him as a precaution, with reserves Josh Minott, Hugo Gonzalez, Sam Hauser, Baylor Scheierman and Jordan Walsh and lineup tweaks involving Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, Chris Boucher and Neemias Queta expected to absorb minutes if he is sidelined. Derwin James was ruled out for the remainder of a Thursday game with an ankle injury, and Karl‑Anthony Towns was downgraded to doubtful (quadriceps), both of which could force rotation adjustments. In New England, safety Kyle Dugger was listed inactive/questionable with a knee issue and the Patriots elevated Richie Grant from the practice squad for Week 8. The Raptors downgraded Collin Murray‑Boyles to doubtful with a forearm injury likely to keep him out Friday, and the Lakers listed Jaxson Hayes as questionable with left‑knee soreness.