The stars will be out for this matchup as Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs visit Jaylen Brown and the Celtics on Saturday, Jan. 10. This is the first matchup of these teams this season.
San Antonio enters this matchup as 1.5-point favorite and -118 on the moneyline, while Boston is -102 on DraftKings Sportsbook. The over/under is set at 230.5 points.
Here’s a preview, prediction and pick for Saturday’s Celtics vs. Spurs matchup.
Celtics vs. Spurs prediction, preview
The Celtics entered the 2025-26 season with tempered expectations. Jayson Tatum suffered a torn Achilles in the playoffs, which meant he’d likely be out for the entire year. The front office moved on from Jrue Holiday, Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis to shed contracts in what appeared to be a transition year.
That hasn’t been the case, however. Boston is still competing at a high level, having won 13 of 17 games since the start of December. Brown is in MVP conversations and the team is second in the Eastern Conference with a 24-13 record.
The Spurs had greater expectations for this year, and they’re exceeding them. San Antonio is second in the Western Conference with a 26-11 record, having won 12 of 17 games since the start of December. Three of those victories are against the Thunder, who were perceived as the clear best team in the NBA.
Wembanyama is the headlining player, not just for this game, but the NBA as a whole. He looks dominant when healthy, but that’s a big caveat to his career thus far. The third-year big has missed time already this season and is coming off the bench at times to maintain his health.
It’s possible he comes off the bench again in this matchup, which would make it three straight games for Wembanyama. He played 21 minutes then 26 minutes in the previous two games. Despite the limited playing time, he’s still capable of posting ridiculous numbers. He had 30 points in 21 minutes against the Grizzlies and 16 points, 14 rebounds, two steals and four blocks in 26 minutes against the Lakers.
Celtics vs. Spurs pick, best bet
Although Wembanyama is always exciting to watch, the Celtics have the personnel to defend him. Neemias Queta, Jordan Walsh and Hugo Gonzalez are all long defenders that can give Wembanyama trouble on the perimeter. Admittedly, it’s tough for anyone to slow him down inside, so keeping him from establishing position is critical.
The Spurs are more than just Wembanyama, but the Celtics look like one of the best units in basketball lately. Brown and Derrick White are championship players that have kept this team playoff-ready even in Tatum’s absence.
The home team takes this one.