Inter-conference squads with drastically different season outlooks go head-to-head on New Year’s Day, as the Sacramento Kings host the Boston Celtics at the Golden 1 Center.
The Celtics (20–12, 3rd East) have held strong in Jayson Tatum’s absence, re-establishing themselves as one of the Eastern Conference’s most formidable squads. The Kings (8–25, 14th West) have continued plunging to new depths, and will take the court Thursday without both of its former All-Stars.
Here’s a look at the Injury Report:
Boston Celtics
- Out: Jayson Tatum (Achilles)
- Questionable: Chris Boucher (Personal Reasons)
Sacramento Kings
- Out: Zach LaVine (Ankle), Domantas Sabonis (Knee)
Tipoff is set for 10 p.m. ET. Boston enters as a heavy 9.5-point road favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Sacramento is listed as a +320 underdog. The game’s total is set at 229.5 points.
Celtics vs. Kings Preview
Boston Celtics Preview
The Celtics have collectively embraced the “next man up” mentality this season. Even without Jayson Tatum, Boston has remained a perennial title contender, boasting a 4th-ranked net rating and winning 10 of its last 13 games.
Jaylen Brown has taken his game to another level in Tatum’s absence, averaging a career-high 29.5 points with 6.3 rebounds and five assists per game. He’s flanked by sharpshooting guards Derrick White and Payton Pritchard, both of whom contribute over 16 points a night and bolster Boston’s nightly three-point barrage.
Sacramento Kings Preview
New year. New team. The Kings, ranked 29th in net rating, could be unrecognizable after February’s trade deadline — likely to orchestrate a full-blown firesale of declining veterans and build for the future around burgeoning forward Keegan Murray.
Former All-Stars Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis could be on their way out of Sacramento, but in the meantime, they’ll be on the sidelines for Thursday’s contest.
Without LaVine, the team’s leading scorer, Sacramento won’t have a single player averaging over 20 points per game. The Kings will lean on veteran playmakers DeMar DeRozan and Russell Westbrook — a terrifying backcourt if it were eight years ago.
Celtics vs. Kings Pick, Best Bet
One of these teams finds ways to win. The other plays in Sacramento. Count on the Celtics to keep their momentum rolling into the new year, carving up the Kings on their way to a dominant start to 2026.
