The Boston Celtics are set to face the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at 6:00 PM ET, marking the first of their two matchups this season. Currently, the Celtics hold a record of 19 wins and 11 losses, while the Trail Blazers sit at 12 wins and 19 losses. Fans can catch the game on NBCSB, KATU/BlazerVision, and tune in on the radio via 98.5 Sports Hub and Rip City Radio 620, all taking place at the Moda Center in Portland.
As the Celtics embark on a five-game road trip, they aim to build on their previous successes. Historically, they have fared well against the Trail Blazers, winning the last two contests between the teams last season and holding a total franchise advantage of 77 wins against 49 losses. The Celtics will return to Boston for a rematch on January 26.
Storylines of interest include Anfernee Simons’ return to Portland after being traded to the Celtics, where he spent the first seven years of his NBA career. The Celtics will be without key player Jrue Holiday, who is sidelined with a calf injury, and Robert Williams is being rested for injury management. Conversely, the Trail Blazers will miss several significant players, including Jerami Grant, Scoot Henderson, Jrue Holiday, and Damian Lillard, who is still recovering from an Achilles injury.
Despite their struggles, the Trail Blazers retain four starters from last season, showcasing continuity in their roster. However, they have recently experienced a drop in performance, currently sitting in the 10th position in the Western Conference, and their overall record reflects a tough season so far. A few teams have already proved their potential against tough opponents, indicating that the Trail Blazers cannot be underestimated.
The Celtics currently rank third in the Eastern Conference, just behind Detroit and New York. With a strong road record of 9 wins and 6 losses, they would like to capitalize on this extended road trip against teams currently below .500. Their recent form also includes winning four consecutive games, bolstered by solid performances from key players.
Heading into the matchup, both teams are managing a series of injuries that could impact their performance. The Celtics are additionally missing Jayson Tatum and Chris Boucher, while the Trail Blazers’ injury list reflects a challenging scenario for their roster.
Key matchups to watch include the battle between Derrick White and Deni Avdija, with Avdija enjoying a strong season thus far. Payton Pritchard faces off against Shaedon Sharpe, who has been a promising player for the Trail Blazers. Lastly, the matchup between Neemias Queta and Donovan Clingan may prove crucial, particularly on the boards.
Defense will be paramount for the Celtics if they hope to secure a victory. Both teams’ defensive rankings indicate that keeping the Trail Blazers from getting second-chance opportunities will be essential. Additionally, rebounding will play a significant role, as the Celtics need to maximize their possessions while minimizing those of the Trail Blazers.
The Celtics will also have to stay aggressive and maintain a strong focus throughout the game. Overlooking an opponent, especially one with a volatile season record, could lead to an unexpected defeat. With an energetic crowd in attendance at the Moda Center, solid communication and teamwork will be critical to overcoming the challenges of playing on the road.
Ultimately, this game presents a valuable opportunity for the Celtics to solidify their position in the postseason race while putting forth an impressive performance in a high-pressure environment. The dynamics of the matchup will test both teams’ resilience and ability to adapt, making for an intriguing contest on the court.