Game Details
The San Antonio Spurs (26-11) take on the Boston Celtics (24-13) in an interconference clash at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. PT).
The game will be televised on NBCS-BOS (for Celtics viewers) and FDSSW (for Spurs viewers), with national options potentially available on NBA League Pass.
This matchup features the surging Spurs, who sit near the top of the Western Conference, against a resilient Celtics team looking to defend their home court despite some injury concerns.
Recent Team Forms
The Spurs are in excellent form, winning 8 of their last 10 games, including a dominant 107-91 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on January 7.
Over this stretch, they’ve averaged 112.4 points per game while holding opponents to 98.7, showcasing their defensive prowess (league-leading in blocks and opponent FG%). Key contributors like Victor Wembanyama have fueled a five-game win streak, with improved ball movement and rebounding (+8.2 margin).
The Celtics have been solid but streaky, going 6-4 in their last 10, capped by a 125-117 win over the short-handed Toronto Raptors on January 9, where Payton Pritchard scored 28 points off the bench.
They’ve averaged 114.8 points but allowed 110.2, with defensive lapses in losses like a 110-114 defeat to Denver. Boston’s home form remains strong (7-3 in last 10 at TD Garden), but injuries have tested their depth.
Injury Report
Injuries loom large, potentially tilting the game toward the healthier Spurs.
San Antonio Spurs:
Devin Vassell (SG): Out – Undisclosed injury.
Julian Champagnie (SF): Questionable – Undisclosed.
Without Vassell, the Spurs lean on Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes for perimeter scoring, but their depth has held up.
Boston Celtics:
Jayson Tatum (SF): Out – Undisclosed (implied “Tatum-less” in previews).
Josh Minott (SF): Questionable – Left ankle.
Tatum’s absence is a massive blow, forcing more from Jaylen Brown (26.4 PPG) and Jrue Holiday. If Minott sits, Boston’s wing depth thins further.
Key Player Matchups
This game highlights defensive battles and star power, with Wembanyama’s presence altering shots inside.
Victor Wembanyama (Spurs) vs. Al Horford/Kristaps Porzingis (Celtics): Wembanyama (24.8 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 4.1 BPG) is a matchup nightmare with his length and shooting. Horford (9.2 PPG, strong defender) or Porzingis (if available) must contain him without fouling. Edge: Wembanyama’s youth and blocks.
Chris Paul (Spurs) vs. Jrue Holiday (Celtics): Paul (15.6 PPG, 8.4 APG) brings veteran savvy and pick-and-roll mastery against Holiday’s elite defense (All-Defensive honors). This could dictate pace. Edge: Holiday’s physicality, but Paul’s IQ keeps it close.
Jeremy Sochan (Spurs) vs. Jaylen Brown (Celtics): Sochan’s versatility (12.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG) will test Brown’s scoring (26.4 PPG). Without Tatum, Brown carries the load—Sochan must disrupt his drives. Edge: Brown’s explosiveness.
Harrison Barnes (Spurs) vs. Derrick White (Celtics): Barnes (14.2 PPG) provides spacing; White’s two-way play (16.1 PPG, strong perimeter D) could limit him. Edge: Even, but White’s steals tip it slightly.
The Spurs’ size advantage could exploit Boston’s potential absences.
Series History
The all-time series is led by the Spurs with 58 wins to the Celtics’ 47 in 105 regular-season games.
However, Boston has dominated recently, winning 6 straight against San Antonio, including a 117-98 victory on January 17, 2024, and a 134-101 blowout on December 31, 2023.
The Spurs are 0-6 SU in their last 6 meetings and 1-4 ATS in the last 5.
In the last 10 head-to-heads, the under has hit 6 times, averaging 218.4 total points. San Antonio’s current form could end the streak, especially with Tatum out.
Betting Trends
Boston is 6-4 ATS in their last 10 home games, while the Spurs are 7-3 ATS on the road recently.
The Celtics are 7-3 SU in their last 10, but Spurs are 8-2 SU over the same span.
The under has hit in 7 of San Antonio’s last 8 games and 6 of the last 10 head-to-heads. Boston games trend over at home (6-4 in last 10), but injuries may cap scoring.
Trends to Note: San Antonio is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games overall but 2-5 ATS in its last 7.
Game Odds
San Antonio Spurs – 1.5
Boston Celtics 231.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 9, 2026
