Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET
TV: YES (Nets), NBCS-BOS (Celtics), NBA League Pass
Streaming: Fubo, NBA League Pass (blackout restrictions apply)
This Atlantic Division matchup features the league’s worst team visiting the East’s second-place squad in what should be a mismatch at the Garden. The Celtics have been one of the biggest surprises of the 2025-26 season, posting a top-5 record and elite offensive efficiency despite missing Jayson Tatum all year. The Nets, meanwhile, have been in full tank mode, sitting 14th in the East with the NBA’s second-worst record and a brutal six-game losing streak.
Injury Report
Brooklyn Nets – Clean report
- No players listed as out or questionable. Full roster available, including recent G-League recall Josh Minott.
Boston Celtics
- Out: Jayson Tatum (right Achilles repair – long-term), Max Shulga (G League two-way), Amari Williams (G League on assignment)
Core rotation otherwise intact and healthy.
Recent Form
Nets (15-43): 2-8 in their last 10, currently riding a six-game losing streak. Most recent: L 110-126 vs. San Antonio (Feb 26). Brooklyn ranks near the bottom in defensive rating (115.0+ PPG allowed) and has lost 16 of its last 19 games overall. Road record is a dismal 7-22.
Celtics (38-20): 8-2 in their last 10 and 18-9 at home. Most recent: L 84-103 @ Denver (Feb 25) – their worst offensive output in weeks after a strong four-game win streak. Despite the Tatum absence, Boston still ranks top-5 in net rating and has the league’s second-best offense.
Head-to-Head / Series History
2025-26 season (Celtics lead 2-1):
- Jan 23, 2026: BOS 130-126 (OT) @ BKN
- Nov 21, 2025: BOS 113-105 vs. BKN
- Nov 18, 2025: BOS 113-99 @ BKN
Boston has won 10 of the last 11 meetings dating back to 2023-24 and is 9-1 against Brooklyn since the start of the 2023-24 season. The Over has hit in two of the three 2025-26 matchups, but recent games at TD Garden have trended lower-scoring when Boston clamps down defensively.
Key Player Matchups
- Jaylen Brown (BOS, ~29 PPG, MVP-caliber without Tatum) vs. Michael Porter Jr. / Ziaire Williams (BKN): Brown is carrying the offense at career-high levels and defends at an elite level. Porter Jr. (24.6 PPG leader for Nets) is Brooklyn’s primary scoring threat but will be overmatched physically.
- Payton Pritchard (BOS, starting PG, career-high assists) vs. Egor Dëmin / Nolan Traoré (BKN rookies): Pritchard has thrived in the expanded role; Brooklyn’s young backcourt will struggle with his pace and shooting.
- Neemias Queta / Kristaps Porziņģis remnants or bigs (BOS interior) vs. Nic Claxton (BKN, 12.6 PPG / 7.2 RPG): Claxton is the Nets’ best two-way player, but Boston’s depth and rebounding (strong without Tatum) should dominate the glass.
- Bench edge: Celtics have far superior depth (Payton Pritchard, Derrick White, etc.); Nets rely heavily on Porter Jr. and Claxton with limited reliable scorers.
Betting Trends & Advanced Stats
- Celtics are 25-10 ATS as home favorites and an incredible 20-5 ATS when laying 10+ points this season.
- Nets are 8-25 ATS as road underdogs and 4-15 ATS in their last 19 games.
- Boston is 16-4 straight-up and 13-7 ATS in its last 20 home games.
- The Under has hit in 7 of Boston’s last 10 home games and in 5 of the last 7 meetings overall.
- Brooklyn is 1-12 straight-up against teams with a winning record since January 1.
Game Odds
Brooklyn Nets 208.5
Boston Celtics – 18.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, February 26, 2026
