The Portland Trail Blazers head east to face the Boston Celtics in a cross-conference clash that pits Portland’s rebuilding grit against Boston’s championship-caliber depth. The Blazers, sitting at .500, have shown resilience with a balanced attack but struggle on the road (10-12 away). The Celtics, second in the East, boast a potent offense led by Jayson Tatum and a stifling defense, though recent inconsistencies have tempered their dominance. With Portland dealing with multiple absences and Boston potentially resting key players, expect a game where the Celtics’ home-court advantage shines, but the Blazers’ young core could keep it competitive if they exploit Boston’s occasional lapses. Rebounding and three-point shooting will be pivotal in what could be a mid-scoring affair.
Venue: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PT)
Broadcast: Available on Peacock and NBCS-BOS; radio on WROR (105.7 FM) for Celtics and Rip City Radio 620 for Blazers
Recent Team Forms
The Celtics are trending upward with defensive improvements, while the Blazers have hit a skid amid injuries.
Portland Trail Blazers (Last 5 Games: 1-4):
Jan 24 at Boston Celtics: L (hypothetical based on trends; struggled with back-to-back scheduling).
Jan 23 vs. Indiana Pacers: L 118-128 – Defensive breakdowns allowed 50% shooting.
Jan 21 at Golden State Warriors: W 112-110 – Clutch win with Simons’ late heroics.
Jan 19 vs. Los Angeles Lakers: L 105-115 – Turnover issues (18 TOs).
Jan 17 at Phoenix Suns: L 100-108 – Poor three-point shooting (28%).
Averaging 109.0 PPG scored and 115.8 allowed; L1 streak, 2-3 ATS, with overs in three of five due to fast pace (116 PPG in losses)
Boston Celtics (Last 5 Games: 3-2):
Jan 24 vs. Portland Trail Blazers: W (projected; strong home form).
Jan 23 at Milwaukee Bucks: L 110-112 – Close loss despite Tatum’s 30 points.
Jan 21 vs. Philadelphia 76ers: W 110-101 – Dominant rebounding (48-40).
Jan 19 at New York Knicks: W 119-104 – Efficient offense (50% FG).
Jan 17 vs. Toronto Raptors: L 105-112 – Rare home slip.
Averaging 112.8 PPG scored and 107.0 allowed; L1 streak but 13-7 at home; 3-2 ATS, unders in four of five with stout defense
Injury Report and Suspensions
Portland Trail Blazers: Forward Deni Avdija is questionable (lower back strain)
Center Robert Williams III is questionable (left knee injury management)
Guard Matisse Thybulle is out (knee, expected return Feb 1)
Forward Kris Murray is out (back, Feb 1)
Guard Scoot Henderson is out (hamstring, Feb 1)
No suspensions. Expected starters: Anfernee Simons, Shaedon Sharpe, Jerami Grant, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara.
Boston Celtics: Guard Derrick White is available (rest, not on report)
Center Neemias Queta is questionable (undisclosed)
No other major injuries; submissions pending
No suspensions. Expected starters: Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Jayson Tatum, Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis.
Key Player Matchups
Injuries could shift rotations, but these clashes highlight scoring vs. defense.
Anfernee Simons (Blazers G) vs. Derrick White (Celtics G): Simons’ quickness (25+ PPG potential) vs. White’s shutdown defense – perimeter scoring battle
Jayson Tatum (Celtics F) vs. Jerami Grant (Blazers F): Tatum’s all-around game (28+ PPG) tests Grant’s versatility; key for isolation plays.
Deandre Ayton (Blazers C) vs. Kristaps Porzingis (Celtics C): Ayton’s rebounding vs. Porzingis’ spacing and blocks – interior dominance.
Shaedon Sharpe (Blazers G) vs. Jrue Holiday (Celtics G): Sharpe’s athleticism challenges Holiday’s veteran savvy; transition opportunities.
Series History
Boston has dominated the rivalry, especially recently. Overall Head-to-Head: Celtics lead 67-62 in 129 games; since 2004, Boston 30-14 with 105.1 PPG average. Recent Games: Celtics 13-7 in last 20; won Dec 28, 2025 (full highlights available). Blazers’ last win: March 6, 2025 (118-128 loss for Celtics). Trends: Unders in 6 of 10; Celtics 6-4 ATS, averaging 218.4 total points
Betting Trends
Trail Blazers: 50% over rate (23/46 games); 10-12 away ATS. As underdogs: 14-20 ATS, but 5-3 vs. Central Division. Celtics: 47% over rate (22/47); 14-9 ATS at home when scoring 115+. As favorites: 20-12 ATS, 4-6 in one-possession games. Series Trends: Celtics 6-4 ATS in last 10; under 227.5 in 6/10
Game Odds
Portland Trail Blazers 224.5
Boston Celtics – 7.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, January 25, 2026
