The Boston Celtics continue their Western Conference road trip with a matchup against the struggling Portland Trail Blazers. The defending champions have won seven of their last nine, showcasing elite defense and balanced scoring despite missing Jayson Tatum. Portland, mired in a rebuild, has dropped three straight and ranks near the bottom in offensive efficiency (108.2 PPG). This game could be lopsided if Boston’s depth overwhelms Portland’s injury-riddled roster, but the Blazers’ home crowd might spark an upset bid through three-point shooting.
Venue Location
Moda Center, Portland, Oregon. This 19,393-capacity arena, opened in 1995, is known for its electric atmosphere during Blazers games, though Portland’s 6-10 home record this season diminishes the usual edge. The venue’s sightlines and fan proximity often lead to high-energy contests.
Tipoff is set for 3:00 PM PT (6:00 PM ET). Broadcast on NBC Sports Boston, KUNP, KATU, and NBA League Pass. Radio coverage available on Rip City Radio 620 (Blazers) and WROR 105.7 FM (Celtics).
Injury Report
Official reports as of December 27 afternoon show submissions pending for this matchup, but based on recent updates:
Boston Celtics:
Jayson Tatum (F): Out (Right Achilles tendinopathy) – Missing his second straight game after sitting out the December 27 win over Indiana.
No other major injuries reported, though the team is monitoring minor ailments post-back-to-back.
Portland Trail Blazers:
Blake Wesley (G): Out (Foot) – Ruled out.
Matisse Thybulle (G/F): Questionable (Thumb) – Limited in practice.
Jrue Holiday (G): Questionable (Calf) – Game-time decision.
Scoot Henderson (G): Out (Hamstring tear) – Expected to miss several more weeks.
Jerami Grant (F): Questionable (Undisclosed) – Status uncertain after recent absences.
Damian Lillard (G): Out for season (Achilles tendon) – Confirmed during recent interviews.
Portland’s absences cripple their backcourt and defense, forcing reliance on Anfernee Simons and bench pieces. Boston’s depth should mitigate Tatum’s loss.
Key Player Matchups
With Tatum sidelined, Boston’s offense runs through Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis. Portland’s injuries shift focus to perimeter battles. Assumed lineups:
Jaylen Brown (BOS SF) vs. Anfernee Simons (POR SG): Brown (26+ PPG) thrives in isolation, exploiting mismatches with athleticism. Simons (22 PPG) counters with quickness and shooting, but Brown’s defense could force turnovers.
Derrick White (BOS PG) vs. Jrue Holiday (POR PG) – If Holiday Plays: A defensive masterclass; White’s steals (1.8 SPG) vs. Holiday’s experience. If Holiday sits, White dominates Portland’s backups.
Kristaps Porzingis (BOS C) vs. Deandre Ayton (POR C): Porzingis’ spacing (3PT threat) pulls Ayton out, opening drives. Ayton (14 RPG) battles on boards, but Porzingis’ blocks give Boston the edge.
Al Horford (BOS PF) vs. Jerami Grant (POR PF) – If Grant Plays: Horford’s veteran savvy vs. Grant’s scoring (18 PPG). Grant’s absence would create a massive mismatch.
Payton Pritchard (BOS Bench G) vs. Portland’s Depth: Pritchard’s hot shooting off the bench could exploit Portland’s thin rotation.
Boston holds advantages in most spots, especially if Portland’s questionables sit.
Recent Team Forms
Boston is 8-2 in their last 10, averaging 120.5 PPG with strong defense. Portland is 3-7, plagued by close losses and poor shooting.
Boston Celtics (8-2 in last 10):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Dec 27 | vs. Pacers | W | 140-122 |
| Dec 23 | @ Pacers | W | 103-95 |
| Dec 21 | @ Raptors | W | 112-96 |
| Dec 20 | vs. Heat | W | 129-116 |
| Dec 16 | vs. Pistons | L | 105-112 |
| Dec 12 | vs. Bucks | L | 101-116 |
| Dec 7 | @ Raptors | W | 121-113 |
| Dec 6 | vs. Lakers | W | 126-105 |
| Dec 5 | vs. Wizards | W | 146-101 |
| Dec 1 | @ Cavaliers | W | 117-115 |
Portland Trail Blazers (3-7 in last 10):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Dec 26 | vs. Clippers | L | 103-119 |
| Dec 23 | vs. Magic | L | 106-110 |
| Dec 22 | vs. Pistons | L | 102-110 |
| Dec 20 | @ Kings | W | 98-93 |
| Dec 18 | @ Kings | L | 133-134 (OT) |
| Dec 14 | @ Warriors | L | 131-136 |
| Dec 11 | vs. Pelicans | L | 120-143 |
| Dec 7 | vs. Grizzlies | L | 96-119 |
| Dec 5 | vs. Pistons | L | 116-122 |
| Dec 3 | @ Cavaliers | W | 122-110 |
(Note: Scores interpreted with Blazers as second team where applicable; OT loss on Dec 18.)
Series History
Boston leads the all-time series 77-49. In the last 10 meetings, the Celtics are 8-2 SU, with games averaging 226.5 points (over in 7 of 10). Boston has won the last 5 straight, including a 129-116 victory on March 23, 2025, and a 128-118 win on March 5, 2025. Road teams are 6-4 ATS in the last 10; Portland covered in earlier upsets but struggles lately.
Betting Trends
Spread: Boston 17-12-1 ATS overall; 9-5-1 on road. Portland 13-18 ATS, 5-11 at home.
Over/Under: Over in 6 of Boston’s last 10; under in 5 of Portland’s last 7). Series trends to over (7/10).
Other Trends: Boston 8-2 SU last 10; 6-4 ATS as favorites >-6. Portland 3-7 SU last 10; 1-4 ATS vs. East. December specifics: Celtics 7-2 SU in Dec road games; Blazers 4-6 ATS at home in Dec.
Game Odds
Boston Celtics – 6.5
Portland Trail Blazers 229.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, December 27, 2025
