Brown said he will undergo an MRI on Sunday but is optimistic he will be available for the Eastern Conference semifinals opener against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday in Boston.

"I just did a move and it just popped a little bit, pulled it a little bit, but it'll be all right," Brown said after Boston's 112-96 triumph.

Asked about a treatment plan, Brown said, "Massage, rest, ice, all of the above. I hate taking pills. Like, I probably haven't taken a pill in over 10 years. But they've got me taking anti-inflammatories and stuff like that. So just whatever it takes. Because I wouldn't miss this next series for the world."

Brown said his hamstring felt "stiff" and "a little locked up," but he added the pain was nothing he couldn't tolerate.

The Celtics had announced in the third quarter against the Bucks that Brown was able to return, but coach Brad Stevens erred on the side of caution, particularly as Boston pulled away.

"I was told that if we got in a pinch that he could play. We decided that that was not going to happen," Stevens said. "With hamstrings, let's see how he feels tomorrow."

Brown tried to talk his way back into the game at the start of the second half, but after laboring through a couple of test sprints across the court, he was instead directed to a courtside exercise bike. He watched the fourth quarter from the Boston bench.

"Just the risk. The risk of going back, to popping it even worse," Brown said. "[The training staff] told me it was my call and I made the call. So I was there if they needed me."

Added Brown: "We got the win. So that's all that matters. So it was a good call by Coach. We took care of business."

Brown was asked if he thought he would be available for Game 1 on Monday.

"Yeah, that's my goal," he said.

Marcus Smart started the second half in place of Brown, who finished with two points on 1-of-5 shooting.

The Celtics already are playing without three key players this postseason in Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward and Daniel Theis. All three were courtside for the start of Game 7 on Saturday night.