BOSTON — Hours before Friday’s game versus Toronto, the Celtics reported a new finger injury for Jaylen Brown and ruled out Marcus Smart for a second straight game due to neck spasms.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said Brown suffered a small laceration, and it is expected to heal quickly.
“Just got a cut on his finger,” Mazzulla said. “I expect him to be fine, nothing serious.”
Smart, who reported having a pinched nerve after Tuesday’s loss at Philadelphia, is still dealing with pain in his neck. Like Brown, his postseason availability appears to be safe.
“He was in, he got treatment today,” Mazzulla said. “It looked like his neck was still hurting a little bit. But I don’t expect it to linger into the playoffs or anything.”
Veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon was also ruled out Friday after pouring in 29 points during Wednesday’s win over Toronto. Meanwhile, backup guard Payton Pritchard returned after a lingering heel injury kept him out of the last four games.
