The Boston Celtics get a timely boost for Monday night. Jaylen Brown, who missed Friday’s win over the Raptors with a non-COVID illness, has been cleared to play when the Celtics host the Indiana Pacers at TD Garden (7:30 pm ET). On the other side, the Pacers are digging deeper into their bench: veteran guard T.J. McConnell is out with a knee injury, joining a growing list of absences for Indiana.

For Boston, it’s simple. With Jayson Tatum still out, having Brown back is the difference between “good enough” and “ready to close.” For Indiana, losing McConnell means a trusted ball-handler and tone-setter in the second unit won’t be available, which can swing the rhythm of the game.

Jaylen Brown cleared after illness — and needed

Reports were clear on Monday afternoon: “Jaylen Brown is good to go, as he is listed as available for the game.” Brown, who missed the Toronto game due to illness, has been Boston’s top option with Tatum sidelined. Another report put it simply: “Brown, who missed Friday’s Celtics game with a non-COVID illness, is available to play against the Pacers.”

Even at less than 100 percent, Brown’s presence changes the geometry of the floor. Recent reported averages have him at 15.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, with 1.0 made three per game. Those may not pop, but his gravity does. He draws a top defender, opens lanes, and gives Boston a go-to scoring option late in the clock. With Tatum still out, that matters a lot.

Jordan Walsh, Boston’s rookie wing, is listed as questionable. His minutes have been spot-duty, but his length and energy can help on the wing if called upon. Every body counts in a game that could be decided by runs and defensive stops.

“If Brown’s downhill game shows up early, this might be over by the third.”

Pacers shorthanded: McConnell out, depth tested

The Pacers will be without Obi Toppin (right foot stress fracture), Aaron Nesmith, and Ben Sheppard, and now McConnell (knee). That’s a lot of rotation stress for a team that relies on pace, passing, and second-unit punch. McConnell’s 12.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists in recent outings reflect his steady hand and pressure on the rim. Without him, Indiana must piece together the backup guard minutes and ball-handling duties.

Pascal Siakam’s recent form (24.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, plus 2.0 steals and 1.0 block with 2.0 threes) remains the anchor. Andrew Nembhard (19.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 2.5 threes) is a key driver on the perimeter. Both must shoulder more shot creation, especially when Boston cranks up its half-court defense. Expect the Pacers to keep moving the ball and cutting, but the margin for error gets thinner without McConnell steering the second group.

What Brown’s return means without Jayson Tatum

These Celtics have learned to win short-handed. They’ve beaten Miami and Toronto in their last two, and they’re 17-11, third in the East. Brown back alongside Derrick White and Payton Pritchard gives Boston a balanced attack: three guards/wings who can dribble, pass, and shoot, and who do not mind taking on more touches.

White’s recent surge is the headline: 24.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 2.5 blocks, and a blistering 6.5 made threes. That two-way production fuels Boston’s identity. Pritchard has matched the moment with 21.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 7.0 assists in recent outings. Add Brown’s downhill pressure, and the Celtics have enough firepower to protect home court while Tatum sits.

“White’s 3-ball is the lever. If he’s hitting, Indy has to pick its poison with Brown and the drive-and-kick.”

Matchups and numbers to watch

Perimeter shooting: Boston’s spacing is elite when White’s range is on display. If he keeps the 6.5 threes per game pace he’s shown in recent outings, the Pacers must stretch out and give up lanes. That’s where Brown thrives.

Bench ball-handling: McConnell’s absence puts extra weight on Indiana’s second unit. Can the Pacers keep turnovers down and maintain tempo when the starters rest? This could decide the middle quarters.

Defensive activity: Siakam’s steals and weak-side blocks have been key to Indiana’s transition game. Boston must value the ball and avoid live-ball turnovers that let the Pacers run.

Glass and grit: Without Toppin’s athleticism and McConnell’s scrapping, Indiana needs all five to rebound. Brown and White can tilt this with tough boards from the guard spots.

“No McConnell means fewer easy Indy buckets. Can Nembhard control the pace for 35+ if needed?”

The stakes and the schedule

This is the first part of a mini-series feel: Boston at home tonight, then a rematch in Indiana later this week. For the Celtics, it’s about stacking wins while Tatum heals and keeping top-three positioning. For the Pacers, it’s about staying steady with key rotation players out. Split the week and you live to fight another day; get swept and the standings can shift quickly in a crowded East.

The Celtics’ defense has traveled even when the offense has been patchwork. With Brown active, the late-game shot diet looks cleaner. For the Pacers, Siakam and Nembhard must be both creators and finishers, and the bench must hold serve without McConnell’s organizing presence.

Bottom line

Boston welcomed the exact piece it needed back into the lineup. Indiana lost the steadying guard it could least afford to lose given other absences. Those two facts tilt Monday night toward the Celtics, but pace, threes, and turnovers will set the tone. If Boston controls the arc and the ball, they should carry the night. If Indiana speeds the game up and wins the bench minutes, we’ve got ourselves a fight that sets the stage for the return leg later this week.

One thing is certain: Brown’s return raises Boston’s ceiling, and McConnell’s absence lowers Indiana’s floor. In a league of small edges, that’s a big swing.