The Boston Celtics return from the All-Star break looking to build momentum without star Jayson Tatum as they face a depleted Golden State Warriors team in a cross-conference clash. The Celtics, second in the Eastern Conference, have won four of their last five and boast a top-tier defense (108.4 opponent PPG, league-best), while the Warriors, eighth in the West, enter on a mixed streak but struggle offensively without Stephen Curry (averaging 115.5 PPG overall but dropping to 109.2 in recent losses). This matchup could see Boston’s balanced attack (115.3 PPG) overwhelm Golden State’s injury-hit roster, though the Warriors’ home court (18-10 record) and rebounding edge (45.2 RPG) provide upset potential in a low-scoring affair.
Venue Location
Chase Center
San Francisco, California
Tipoff is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET
TV: Amazon Prime Video, NBCS-BA, NBCS-BOS
Live Stream: NBA League Pass
Injury Report
The Celtics are without their leading scorer Jayson Tatum due to a season-long Achilles injury, forcing more reliance on Jaylen Brown and Derrick White. The Warriors are severely hampered, missing Stephen Curry, Kristaps Porzingis, and Jimmy Butler, which decimates their scoring (NRtg drops -5.8 without Curry) and frontcourt depth.
| Team | Player | Position | Status | Reason |
| Celtics | Jayson Tatum | PF | Out | Right Achilles; Repair/Tear (season-ending) |
| Celtics | Sam Hauser | SF | Available | Low Back; Spasms (upgraded from probable) |
| Celtics | Neemias Queta | C | Available | Right Ankle; Sprain (upgraded from probable) |
| Warriors | Stephen Curry | PG | Out | Right Knee; Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome |
| Warriors | Kristaps Porzingis | C | Out | Left Achilles; Tendon Injury Management (post-All-Star debut expected) |
| Warriors | Jimmy Butler III | SF | Out | Right ACL; Tear (season-ending) |
| Warriors | L.J. Cryer | PG | Out | Left Hamstring; Injury Management |
| Warriors | Will Richard | G | Questionable | Right Knee; Bruise |
| Warriors | De’Anthony Melton | SG | Questionable | Left Gluteal; Contusion |
Boston’s offense (ORtg 114.2) relies on Brown (24.0 PPG recently) and White (elite defender, 1.6 SPG). If Hauser and Queta play, it boosts spacing and rim protection. Golden State’s absences force Draymond Green (17.0 PPG, 8.0 APG recently) into more playmaking, with Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski stepping up.
Key Player Matchups
With key absences on both sides, this game emphasizes guard battles and frontcourt mismatches. Boston’s perimeter defense (opponents 35.4% 3P) could stifle Golden State’s depleted backcourt, while the Warriors’ rebounding (45.2 RPG) tests the Celtics’ interior without Tatum.
- Jaylen Brown (Celtics) vs. Draymond Green (Warriors): Brown (averaging 24.0 PPG, 47.2% FG recently) exploits mismatches with scoring (recent 24 PTS vs. Bulls). Green (17.0 PPG, 12.0 RPG, 8.0 APG) anchors defense (1.4 BPG), but his offensive load increases without Curry. Brown’s athleticism (6.2 RPG) edges in transition; Celtics’ NRtg improves +4.2 with Brown on floor.
- Derrick White (Celtics) vs. Brandin Podziemski (Warriors): White (15.8 PPG, 5.2 APG, 1.6 SPG) thrives defensively, limiting guards (opponents 44.2% FG). Podziemski (fills Curry void, recent 14.0 PPG) provides energy, but lacks White’s efficiency (38.0% 3P). If Melton sits, Podziemski’s turnovers (2.1/G) could be targeted.
- Payton Pritchard (Celtics) vs. Moses Moody (Warriors): Pritchard (recent 26 PTS, 8 AST vs. Bulls) steps up without Tatum, boosting bench scoring (ORtg 118.4). Moody (25.0 PPG recently) fills scoring gap, but Celtics’ perimeter (7.5 SPG team) pressures him. If Richard out, Moody’s role expands.
- Bench Impact: Celtics’ Al Horford (versatile, +3.6 NRtg) vs. Warriors’ Gary Payton II (defense, 1.2 SPG). Boston’s second unit dominates (bench PPG top-5), while Golden State’s drops -4.1 without stars.
Recent Team Forms
Boston has won four of five, averaging 110.6 PPG with strong defense (95.0 PPG allowed in wins). Golden State is 2-3 in their last five, scoring 105.4 PPG but allowing 110.0 in losses amid injuries.
Boston Celtics Last 5 Games:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Feb 11 | vs. Bulls | W | 124-105 |
| Feb 8 | vs. Knicks | L | 89-111 |
| Feb 6 | vs. Heat | W | 98-96 |
| Feb 4 | @ Rockets | W | 114-93 |
| Feb 3 | vs. 76ers | W | 107-94 |
- Form: W-L-W-W-W
- Key Trend: UNDER in 9 of last 10 (averaging 203.8 total points); road strength (17-10 away), but ATS 2-3 recently. DRtg 103.2 in wins.
Golden State Warriors Last 5 Games:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Feb 11 | vs. Spurs | L | 113-126 |
| Feb 9 | vs. Grizzlies | W | 114-113 |
| Feb 7 | @ Lakers | L | 99-105 |
| Feb 5 | @ Suns | W | 101-97 |
| Feb 3 | vs. 76ers | L | 94-113 |
- Form: L-W-L-W-L
- Key Trend: 2-3 ATS last 5; home splits 18-10, but ORtg drops to 110.0 without Curry. OVER in 3 of last 5 (averaging 220.4 points).
Series History
Boston holds a commanding all-time lead, but Golden State has split recent meetings, showing competitiveness at home.
- All-Time Record: Celtics 211-141 vs. Warriors
- Recent Head-to-Head: Celtics won Jan. 20, 2025 (125-85 @ GSW). Warriors won Nov. 6, 2024 (118-112 @ BOS). Split 1-1 this season, each covering ATS once
- Key Stat: In last 10 meetings, Warriors 6-4 SU,
but UNDER in 7 of 10. Boston 3-6 SU last 9 vs. GSW.
Betting Trends
- Trends: Celtics 5-2 ATS last 7; UNDER 9/10 games. Warriors 1-4 ATS last 5; 20-19-1 ATS overall
Celtics 2-7 ATS last 9 vs. GSW; UNDER 11/13 road vs. GSW.
OVER in 2 of Warriors’ last 5.
Game Odds
Boston Celtics – 3.5
Golden State Warriors 217.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, February 18, 2026
