Jaylen Brown set for two preseason matchups as Celtics reveal schedule

Jaylen Brown will suit up in two preseason games against both the Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks when the Boston Celtics unveil their 2026 schedule on July 21.

What happened?

The Celtics released their preseason slate on July 21, locking in four total tune-ups before the regular season. Brown, Boston’s All-NBA forward, is slated to play twice versus Brooklyn and twice versus New York. The Nets clash comes October 6 in Boston, while the Knicks doubleheader lands October 14 in New York and October 17 back in Boston.

Why it matters for Jaylen Brown

Preseason offers Brown a chance to shake off last season’s foot injury that sidelined him for 20 games. Coach Joe Mazzulla has emphasized rhythm and conditioning early, and these four games give Brown a soft ramp-up against two Atlantic foes. The Nets and Knicks ranked 10th and 11th in the East last year, so Boston can test schemes without real playoff stakes.

Brown averaged 21.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists last season before the layoff. His return to the lineup in March sparked a 16-4 run that pushed the Celtics to the Eastern Conference finals. Now healthy, he’ll use preseason to fine-tune timing with new teammate Jrue Holiday and rookie Hunter Dickinson.

What comes next?

Training camp opens September 26 at the team’s practice facility in Waltham. Media day follows September 29, with the first regular-season game slated for October 22 at home against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Celtics will also host the Orlando Magic on October 8 and travel to the Toronto Raptors on October 20 before the opener.

Brown’s schedule keeps him in the Northeast early, cutting travel fatigue before the grind of a full 82-game slate. The back-to-back with New York on October 14-15 tests depth, while the October 17 rematch in Boston gives fans a final look before the regular season curtain-raiser.