Is Jaylen Brown playing tonight against Miami Heat? Latest on reigning NBA Finals MVP's status (Dec. 2)

Jaylen Brown's status for Monday's clash against the Miami Heat is up in the air. The reigning NBA Finals MVP was a late scratch for Sunday's contest against the Cleveland Cavaliers, citing a non-Covid illness. However, Brown is available to play tonight as he reportedly recovers from illness.

The Celtics didn't offer much about how long Brown could be out for. The Celtics star has missed five games, but his previous four absences came because of a hip injury and a rest day. Boston is 3-2 when Brown is on the sidelines.

After a relatively slow start, Brown has picked up his production, averaging 24.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists, shooting 43.2%, including 33.9% from 3 and 76.5% from the free throw line. The Celtics only have two losses in the 15 games he's played.

Jaylen Brown stats vs Miami Heat

Jaylen Brown has played 22 games against the Miami Heat, averaging 17.5 ppg, 5.1 rpg and 2.3 apg, shooting on 49/31/74 splits. He has won 16 times against the Celtics' conference rivals. The teams will lock horns for the first time this season on Monday.

In their previous meeting on Feb. 11, the Celtics won 110-106 and bagged the season series 3-0. Brown finished with 20 points, nine rebounds and two assists, shooting 50.0%, including 37.5% from 3.

The Celtics don't have the best records this season when Jaylen Brown doesn't play, but that doesn't prevent them from being favored to beat Miami. The Heat have been streaky this season, boasting a 9-9 record.

The Celtics, on the other hand, are second in the East with a 16-4 record.

How to watch Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics game?

FanDuel Sports Network Sun and NBC Sports Boston will provide coverage in local regions for the Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics game. Viewers outside the two cities can watch the contest online via NBA League Pass. Fans outside the U.S. will have the same option to stream the contest.

The Celtics are -10.5-point favorites to win with a -505 money line. Despite the possibility of missing multiple key players, their homecourt advantage and available depth should likely be enough against the struggling Heat.