Jaylen Brown Returns as Celtics Seek First Win Against Pelicans on Oct. 27, 2025

With the Boston Celtics still winless at 0-3, all eyes turned to Jaylen Brown as he stepped onto the court at the Smoothie King Center on October 27, 2025. The 29-year-old 2024 NBA Finals MVP, who had been listed as questionable with a left hamstring strain since the season opener on October 22, was cleared to play just hours before tip-off — a last-minute boost for a team desperate for its first victory. The Celtics, coached by Joseph Patrick Mazzulla, had lost three straight games by an average of 14.3 points, and Brown’s return wasn’t just a morale lift — it was a lifeline.

From Questionable to Starting: Brown’s Late Surge

At 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time on October 27, CelticsBlog, the SB Nation-affiliated fan site, broke the news: "Jaylen Brown is AVAILABLE tonight, per Celtics." The statement, confirmed by the team’s official communications channel, reversed earlier indications from Joseph Patrick Mazzulla, who had called Brown’s status a "game-time decision" after Boston’s 118-105 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks the night before. The turnaround was swift — and critical. Brown, averaging 29.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists through the first three games, was shooting 49.2% from the field and a blistering 50% from three. Without him, the Celtics’ offense looked stagnant. With him? They had a chance.

Who’s Really Hurt in New Orleans?

The New Orleans Pelicans entered the game at 1-2, but their injury report raised more questions than answers. Their official preview on Pelicans.com listed Zion Lateef Williamson, the 24-year-old power forward, in the injury designation section — yet offered no clarity on whether he’d play. Meanwhile, the same article mistakenly listed Jaylen Brown, Neemias António Dório Queta, Derrick Lamont White, and Payton David Pritchard as Pelicans players. That wasn’t a typo — it was a glaring editorial error, likely from a template glitch. The four are all key Celtics. The Pelicans’ actual stars? Hugo González, the 19-year-old Spanish guard, and Zion Williamson, if healthy, were their only real offensive threats. But without a clear update on Zion’s availability, fans in New Orleans were left guessing.

The Bigger Picture: Momentum Matters Early

It’s easy to dismiss a 0-3 start in October. But in today’s NBA, where playoff seeding can hinge on half a game, early wins carry disproportionate weight. The Celtics’ next game — a home matchup against the Chicago Bulls on October 29 — was already being framed as a must-win. Lose again, and the pressure on Mazzulla’s rotation decisions, particularly on defense, would intensify. Win, and suddenly, Brown’s return looks like the spark that turned the season around. "It’s not about one game," said a veteran Celtics assistant coach, speaking off the record. "It’s about building belief. One win changes the locker room tone. Two losses? That’s when the media starts asking if the team’s got it."

Behind the Numbers: Why Brown Is Irreplaceable

Brown’s stats through three games weren’t just good — they were elite. His 29.7 points per game ranked fifth in the league. His 50% three-point shooting on 10+ attempts per game? That’s All-NBA territory. He’s also carrying the offensive load with fewer assists than in past seasons — a sign the Celtics are leaning on him as the primary creator. The irony? His 4.3 turnovers per game are the highest of his career. But in crunch time, he’s still the guy Boston wants with the ball. When he’s on, the Celtics’ offense flows. When he’s off — or out — they stall. And that’s why his availability mattered more than any other factor in this game.

What’s Next? The Back-to-Back Trap

Playing the Pelicans on October 27 after facing the Bucks the night before was a brutal scheduling quirk. The Celtics had traveled from Boston to New Orleans, played a physical game, and now had to do it again — without rest. The Pelicans, playing at home, had the advantage of familiarity with their court and crowd. But Boston’s depth, especially with Derrick White and Payton Pritchard stepping up in Brown’s absence during practice, gave them a fighting chance. The real test? How they’d respond on October 29 in Boston. If they lost again, questions about their ceiling would grow louder. If they won? The narrative would flip entirely.

Historical Context: Celtics’ Early-Season Struggles

The Celtics haven’t started 0-4 since 2015 — and they haven’t recovered from a 0-3 start to make the Finals since 2008. That’s not to say it’s impossible. In 2020, they lost their first three games, then went 10-1. But those were different times: a bubble season, no travel, no crowds. This year? It’s real. The Eastern Conference is deeper than ever. The Knicks, 76ers, and Heat are all playing at a high level. Boston can’t afford to fall further behind. Brown’s return wasn’t just about scoring. It was about signaling to the league — and to his own team — that they’re still a contender.